1

Biodefense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an expert in biodefense and operational readiness, your ability to anticipate and respond to emerging biological threats is unparalleled. We need your unique expertise, paired with strong ...

$130K - $180K/yr

SPA has a need for CWMD Plans and Policy Analysts in the NCR and multiple MAJCOM locations to analyze, develop, and integrate CWMD and biodefense strategies, plans, and policies across the Department ...

Bio-Deterrence SME

Honolulu, HI · On-site +1

$112K - $257K/yr

As an expert in biodefense and operational readiness, your ability to anticipate and respond to emerging biological threats is unparalleled. We need your unique expertise, paired with strong ...

Bio-Deterrence SME

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

As an expert in biodefense and operational readiness, your ability to anticipate and respond to emerging biological threats is unparalleled. We need your unique expertise, paired with strong ...

Bio-Deterrence SME

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$112K - $257K/yr

As an expert in biodefense and operational readiness, your ability to anticipate and respond to emerging biological threats is unparalleled. We need your unique expertise, paired with strong ...

Bio-Deterrence SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

As an expert in biodefense and operational readiness, your ability to anticipate and respond to emerging biological threats is unparalleled. We need your unique expertise, paired with strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Biodefense information

See salary details

$25

$44

$60

How much do biodefense jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for biodefense in the United States is $44.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the future of biodefense?

The future of biodefense involves increased investment in research, advanced detection technologies, and improved response strategies to emerging biological threats. Biodefense professionals will need skills in microbiology, epidemiology, and emergency management, often working with government agencies and health organizations to develop preparedness plans and countermeasures.

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 can you do with a biodefense degree?

A biodefense degree prepares individuals for roles in government agencies, research institutions, and private companies focused on preventing and responding to biological threats. Careers include biodefense analyst, biosecurity specialist, laboratory researcher, and emergency response coordinator, often requiring knowledge of microbiology, security protocols, and relevant certifications. These roles typically involve working in secure environments and may require collaboration with public health and safety organizations.

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.

More about Biodefense jobs

What cities are hiring for Biodefense jobs?

Cities with the most Biodefense job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Biodefense jobs?

The most popular types of Biodefense jobs are:

What states have the most Biodefense jobs?

States with the most job openings for Biodefense jobs include:

Infographic showing various Biodefense job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,650 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction SME

Apogee Engineering, LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview
Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction SME to support Headquarters United States Air Force (HAF/A10). In this role, you will provide expert analytical, programmatic, and staff process support for AF/A10's CWMD and Biodefense policy responsibilities. This requires analyzing national strategy, managing daily staff actions, reviewing joint programs, and providing logistical support for key events to ensure Air Force positions are effectively developed and represented.
The HAF/A10 contract delivers technical, analytical, operational, programmatic, and planning subject-matter expertise to HAF/A10 and its component divisions to advance national security strategic plans, policies, concepts, and initiatives.
This is a full-time position, located on-site at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.
***This position is contingent upon contract award.***
Responsibilities
  • Serve as on-site CWMD SME supporting HAF/A10S in strategy, doctrine, policy, guidance, programs, research, analysis, and testing across CWMD mission sets (non-proliferation, counter-proliferation, counter-air/space, ATSO, air operations, CBRN defense/consequence management).
  • Provide inputs to develop Air Force policy and doctrine for CBRN operations and support national/DoD programs (e.g., CBRN Survivability).
  • Perform quantitative analyses and assessments for MAJCOMs, Air/Space Staff, Services, JS, OSD, CCDRs, and other federal agencies to determine operational value and risk.
  • Analyze, research, draft, coordinate, and route all daily CWMD requirements and taskings from internal and external organizations (e.g., OSD, JS, HAF).
  • Review and analyze DoD, Joint, and Air Force programs, strategic documents (e.g., NPR, NDS), and policy directives to determine impacts and equities for the CWMD and Biodefense enterprises.
  • Conduct research and analysis and provide program management support for the DoD CBRN Survivability Program in accordance with DoDI 3150.09.
  • Provide comprehensive SME, logistical, administrative, and security support for all AF/A10-sponsored CWMD, CBRND, and Biodefense forums, meetings, working groups, and conferences.
  • Provide expert analytical and administrative support for the multitiered
    Air Force CWMD governance structure, including the CWMD Council, CWMD
    Integration Group (CIG), and the Policy Working Group (PWG).
  • Coordinate and consolidate agenda topics, develop support materials, and prepare senior leaders for effective participation in all designated governance forums.
  • Provide comprehensive Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership & Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) analytical support to improve DAF CWMD and Biodefense capabilities.
  • Analyze strategic guidance, identifying operational gaps, defining requirements, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure DAF equities are represented in all relevant forums.

Qualifications
Minimum Experience:
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain TS/SCI level clearance
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years of Experience: Twenty-five (25) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, including fifteen (15) years of DoD experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Master's degree
Years of Experience: Twenty (20) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, including twelve (12) years of DoD experience
Additional Experience:
  • Extensive experience and familiarity with current sortie-generation Modeling & Simulation (M&S) products
  • Proficiency using and interpreting M&S tools for operational analysis and planning
  • In-depth knowledge of Air Force and DoD CWMD and counterproliferation programs
  • Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments with multiple points of contact
  • Proven ability to analyze and interpret CBRN studies to assess operational impacts and risks
  • Technical expertise in CBRN science, including agent behavior, persistence, and mitigation approaches
  • Strong understanding of CBRN hazard environments and their effects on personnel, equipment, and operations
  • AF-unique operational experience/expertise:
    • Fighter and mobility operations
    • Flightline agile combat support
    • Joint operations and air operations planning
    • Air Force CBRN defense
    • Counterproliferation and non-proliferation
    • Scientific analysis and testing of air platforms
    • Adversary CBRN methods of employment
    • CBRN effects on personnel, equipment, and operations
    • AF CBRN countermeasure processes

Additional Information:
Location: Located at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA
On-site: This is a full-time on-site position
***This position is contingent upon contract award.***