ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Biodefense Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBiodefense JobsBiodefense Jobs in Texas

Biodefense information

See Texas salary details

$23

$41

$56

How much do biodefense jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for biodefense in Texas is $41.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is biodefense?

A Biodefense job involves protecting people, animals, and the environment from biological threats, such as infectious diseases, bioterrorism, and pandemics. Professionals in this field work in government agencies, research institutions, healthcare, and private industries to develop countermeasures, policies, and response strategies. Their responsibilities may include disease surveillance, biodefense policy development, laboratory research, and emergency preparedness planning.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities in biodefense?

Professionals working in Biodefense commonly engage in tasks such as monitoring biological threats, developing response plans, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with scientists, government agencies, and public health officials. Day-to-day work can include laboratory research, reviewing outbreak data, writing technical reports, and participating in emergency preparedness drills. Many roles also involve ongoing training in biosafety procedures and staying current with emerging infectious disease trends. This collaborative and dynamic environment requires adaptability and proactive communication to respond quickly to potential biological incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biodefense?

To thrive in Biodefense, you generally need a background in biology, microbiology, public health, or a related field, often backed by an advanced degree and specialized training in infectious diseases or threat assessment. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, bioinformatics tools, and certifications such as Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) or HAZMAT training is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are key soft skills in this field. These skills enable professionals to effectively detect, prevent, and respond to biological threats, ensuring public safety and national security.

How to get a job in biodefense?

To pursue a career in biodefense, candidates typically need a background in biological sciences, public health, or related fields, along with relevant experience or research in biodefense or biosecurity. Earning advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D., and obtaining certifications like the Certified Biological Safety Professional can enhance prospects. Job opportunities are often found in government agencies, research institutions, and defense organizations, with security clearances sometimes required.

What can you do with a biodefense degree?

A biodefense degree prepares individuals for roles in government agencies, research institutions, and private companies focused on biosecurity, disease prevention, and response to biological threats. Graduates often work as biodefense analysts, public health officials, or laboratory scientists, utilizing skills in microbiology, epidemiology, and risk assessment. Certifications and security clearances may be required for certain positions.

What is the future of biodefense?

The future of biodefense involves increased focus on emerging infectious diseases, biothreat detection, and rapid response capabilities. Professionals in biodefense will likely need expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, and the use of advanced technologies such as biosensors and data analysis tools to enhance national security and public health preparedness.

What are popular job titles related to Biodefense jobs in Texas?

For Biodefense jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biodefense jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Biodefense jobs in Texas are:

Biodefense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biodefense job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,386 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Associate Professor - Microbiology And Immunology

Galveston, TX • On-site

University of Texas Medical Branch
Hospitals • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about University of Texas Medical Branchexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, is recruiting tenure-track faculty in Bacterial Pathogenesis at the academic rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor with MD, PhD, DVM or equivalent degrees.

The preferred research areas include but are not limited to bacterial genomics/proteomics, virulence, structure-function relationships, antibiotic resistance, role of microbiota in disease outcomes, and host-pathogen interactions with a focus on mechanisms of immunity, outcomes due to aging or metabolic disease, and vaccine or Immunotherapeutics discovery. The development or use of novel platforms or non-traditional models including organoids, 3D cultures, and organ-on-chip are encouraged.

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology, with 37 full-time faculty, is ranked among the top of its peer departments in NIH funding. The strong infectious disease research portfolio at UTMB further offers an intellectually stimulating environment and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration with other basic science or clinical departments. A robust training environment is further supported through two T32 training grants for predoctoral students in infectious diseases and endowment funded fellowships for multiple trainee categories.

UTMB, a member of the Texas Medical Center, offers a breadth of research centers and institutes that foster research innovation, including in the fields of vaccine development, tropical diseases, biodefense and emerging infectious diseases, aging, women's health, translational sciences, structural biology, brain health, artificial intelligence, addiction sciences and therapeutics, environmental health and medicine, metabolic disorders, drug discovery, microbiome research with well-designed germ-free facility, and active collaborations with Shriners Children's Texas. Its state-of-the-art core facilities include one of two NIH-funded national biocontainment laboratories (Galveston National Laboratory) with excellent infrastructure to conduct research at BSL2, -3 and -4 levels using diverse animal models of infectious diseases, as well as arthropod containment facilities to study the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

The successful candidates should be highly productive based on their past accomplishments and have either an established record of extramural funding or have the potential to establish robust, funded research programs in the desired research areas. Successful applicants should be amenable to collaborative studies with other investigators and teaching and mentoring graduate/medical students and postdoctoral fellows. Salary and academic rank are commensurate with experience, and excellent benefits and start-up packages are offered.

Interested candidates should apply via the UTMB careers website at https://www.utmb.edu/careers/. Each application should include a cover letter, current Curriculum Vitae, and a statement of current and future research interests. Complete applications should be addressed to Dr. Ashok Chopra (achopra@utmb.edu), chair, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UTMB.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Potential exposure to radiation and biohazards. May require completion of appropriate vaccinations. Regular use of PPE required.

SALARY:

Commensurate with experience.

University of Texas Medical Branch logo

About University of Texas Medical Branch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), based in Galveston, TX, US, operates within the education and healthcare sectors. Established in 1891 as the University of Texas’ first academic health center, UTMB has been at the forefront of educational, research, and clinical excellence in the medical field. Its offerings encompass a full range of degrees in health-related fields, extensive research facilities, and three major institutes for advanced study. The organization's mission is to improve health for the people of Texas and around the world, and its core values revolve around diversity, integrity, leadership, respect, and teamwork. A significant achievement of UTMB includes its recognition as a top-notch medical research institution and a primary source of healthcare for many Texas residents.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Galveston, TX, US

View All University of Texas Medical Branch Jobs

Apply