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Biological Weapons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Historically, Fort Detrick was the center of the US biological weapons program. Since the discontinuation of that program, it has hosted most elements of the United States biological defense program.

Laboratory Technician Intern

Aberdeen, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $86K/yr

Warfighter and ensure our Warfighters maintain battlefield dominance during a chemical and/or biological weapon event. Primary Responsibilities: * Toxic chemical monitoring, equipment setup ...

Warfighter and ensure our Warfighters maintain battlefield dominance during a chemical and/or biological weapon event. Primary Responsibilities: * Toxic chemical monitoring, equipment setup ...

SOSi is seeking a Biologist Senior (Scientific Support) to join our team in Reston, VA in support ... weapon systems and equipment; their associated facilities and output levels, knowledge of emerging ...

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Biological Weapons information

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$31K

$42.1K

$56K

How much do biological weapons jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological weapons in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in biological weapons threat assessment and prevention?

Professionals in biological weapons threat assessment and prevention often face the challenge of staying current with rapidly evolving biological technologies and emerging pathogens. They must coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, security experts, and public health officials, to identify and mitigate potential threats. Additionally, strict regulatory compliance and ethical considerations require constant vigilance. Working in this field demands a high level of discretion, analytical skills, and the ability to respond quickly to potential security incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biological Weapons Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biological Weapons Specialist, you need a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, and laboratory safety, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related science field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), biosafety level protocols, and specialized detection or decontamination equipment is essential. Keen attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong analytical skills are critical for managing sensitive materials and assessing risks. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure compliance with strict regulations, maintain safety, and prevent misuse or accidental exposure in high-security environments.

What is the difference between Biological Weapons vs Microbiologists?

AspectBiological WeaponsMicrobiologists
Required credentialsLimited formal credentials, often classified or secretBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in microbiology or related fields
Work environmentMilitary, government, or clandestine labs (often restricted)Research labs, hospitals, universities, or biotech companies
Industry usageMilitary defense, national security, clandestine programsHealthcare, research, academia, biotech industry

Biological Weapons are specialized military or clandestine tools used for warfare, often involving classified research. Microbiologists study microorganisms for health, research, and industrial purposes. While microbiologists focus on understanding and utilizing microbes, biological weapons involve the malicious or defensive use of biological agents, making their roles distinct despite overlapping knowledge of microbiology.

What are biological weapons?

Biological weapons are devices or agents that use bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins to intentionally cause disease or death in humans, animals, or plants. These weapons exploit the ability of certain biological agents to reproduce and spread, potentially leading to large-scale outbreaks or epidemics. Because of their unpredictable effects and potential for mass casualties, the development, production, and use of biological weapons are prohibited under international law, specifically the Biological Weapons Convention. The threat of biological weapons poses significant challenges for global security and public health.

What is a Biological Weapons job?

A Biological Weapons job typically involves researching, analyzing, preventing, or responding to biological threats, including biological warfare and bioterrorism. Professionals in this field may work in government agencies, military organizations, or public health sectors to develop countermeasures, enforce regulations, and improve preparedness against biological attacks. Their responsibilities can include threat assessments, laboratory research, policy development, and emergency response coordination. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, security clearances and specialized expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, or biodefense are often required.

More about Biological Weapons jobs
What cities are hiring for Biological Weapons jobs? Cities with the most Biological Weapons job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Biological Weapons jobs? The most popular types of Biological Weapons jobs are:
What states have the most Biological Weapons jobs? States with the most job openings for Biological Weapons jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Biological Weapons jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Biological Weapons jobs are:
Infographic showing various Biological Weapons job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Director, Prophylactics & Therapeutics (D-P&T)

National Strategic Research Institute

Omaha, NE โ€ข On-site, Remote

$150K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Announcement
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking applications for a Director, Prophylactics amp; Therapeutics (D-P amp;T). This position reports to the Associate Executive Director for CWMD Allied Programs (AED-CAP). The D-P amp;T will lead and execute research projects and contribute technical capability areas aligned with the strategic direction set by the AED-CAP and MCM Research Director, supporting planning and overseeing research efforts intended to develop therapeutics and pre-exposure prophylactics to counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threat sequelae for the Department of War (DoW) and other federal customers. The Director will be responsible for monitoring project execution and coordinating and leading the development and sustainment of the Medical Countermeasures Therapeutics Program, including: identifying research opportunities, securing funding, proposal writing and submission, organizing research teams, contributing to and supporting applicable working groups, and managing assigned projects (including monitoring research progress, expenditure rates, and reviewing and approving all contract deliverables). This job will require an understanding of military medicine, regulatory requirements for new drug development and drug repurposing, strong leadership skills, and program and project management skills. Responsibilities are performed in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment to ensure accomplishment of NSRIโ€™s overall mission
National Strategic Research Institute Profile
NSRI is a non-profit IRS 501c(3) supporting organization of the University of Nebraska, established in 2012 to operate one of only 15 DoW University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation. NSRI is engaged in a long-term, strategic partnership with our DoW sponsor, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI provides essential research, development and support to USSTRATCOM, other DoW components and federal agencies focused on established research core competencies, including Nuclear Detection and Forensics, Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Active and Passive Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Consequence Management, and Mission-Related Research. NSRI receives funding from project sponsors through contracts generated from our sole-source, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with USSTRATCOM, as well as other direct contract vehicles and grants.
Website: https://nsri.nebraska.edu
Applicants should note:
This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position based out of NSRI Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Limited remote work may be permitted on an occasional basis at the supervisorโ€™s discretion, in accordance with NSRI policy. Periodic travel may be required to NSRIโ€™s offices in Lincoln, Nebraska, other University of Nebraska System Campuses, NSRI Field Offices in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, and other locations where business and/or training is conducted.
Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with Experience and Contributing Attributes, with a minimum of $150,000/year
Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a 403b retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position.
Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities listed below are not an exclusive statement of duties amp; responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform other job-related activities as requested.
D-P amp;T key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, accomplishing the following activities:
  • Provide input to and execute research aligned with the strategy set by AED-CAP and the Research Director for medical countermeasure research.
  • Identify and leverage key drug discovery and development or drug repurposing resources (facilities and personnel) across the University of Nebraska campuses.
  • Lead assigned projects as Project Manager and/or Principal Investigator, with responsibility for scope, schedule, cost, and performance.
  • Contribute technical input to proposal development and opportunity identification within assigned capability areas.
  • Create and maintain effective working relationships with University of Nebraska faculty and staff and external collaborators to form strong research teams with the requisite skills to meet customer requirements.
  • Create and maintain working relationships with the DoW and other federal agencies with CWMD medical countermeasure needs and requirements to identify research opportunities.
  • Coordinate with the AED-CAP to ensure programs and projects are adequately resourced.
  • Propose and coordinate work in support of the DoW Combatant Commands, and other DoW and federal agencies to develop research strategies and plans to fully address customer requirements.
  • Conduct program/project management through analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Review products and reports to ensure they meet customer needs and standards.
  • Collaborate with other NSRI Directors to identify synergies between CWMD programs.
  • Determine workforce requirements and coordinate staffing needs for assigned projects, providing input to leadership on resource needs.
  • Lead and supervise assigned staff.
  • Develop budgets and schedules as required to support assigned project and program requirements.
  • Prepare presentations for internal management and external customers to provide reviews and updates on technical aspects, cost, and schedules of current projects.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
  • Professional degree in a medical field or advanced degree (MS) in a biomedical discipline.
  • Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat training and/or operational experience. Typically requires approximately 10-15+ years of relevant experience in technical research, drug development, or program/project leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility.
  • Experience working in drug discovery and development and drug repurposing.
  • Experience with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approval processes.
  • Experience leading, managing, and working with teams.
  • Ability to write technical documents and communicate complex subjects to non-technical audiences.
  • Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities.
  • U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Preferred Experience:
  • PhD in a biomedical discipline.
  • Experience working in military medicine in both garrison and operational environments.
  • Experience as a program/project manager executing contractually defined projects, managing budgets, leading project personnel, and meeting customer requirements.
  • Chemical, biological, radiological, and/or explosive threat medical countermeasure research.
  • Military or governmental leadership in CBRNE/CWMD or directly related mission areas.
  • Experience working with defense contractors and federal government contracts.
Security Clearance:
NSRI is a DoW-designated UARC that conducts sensitive, sometimes classified research for the DoW and other federal government entities. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. All cleared employees are subject to certain reporting requirements and random drug testing.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:
  • A skilled technical expert in all aspects of drug discovery and development and drug repurposing.
  • A self-starter that demonstrates attention to detail.
  • Be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to seek input from others when necessary.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively interact with senior leaders, peers, employees, and external partners.
  • Understanding of corporate-level business, operations, and organization.
  • Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and interruptions.
  • Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions with sponsors and partners.
  • Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently recommend appropriate actions and solutions.
How to Apply:
Application review begins May 26th, 2026 and continues until position is filled.
Applications processed through the on-line job posting at Careers (nebraska.edu).
Follow instructions to complete the Applicant Profile and supplemental questions. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and the names, relationship to you and contact information for at least three professional references.
Direct questions to: (304) 754-6894 or nwoollen@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov