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Virologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the job As a part of the Responsible Development and Innovation team (ReDI) at DeepMind, you will be a virologist with extensive wet lab experience, focused on biology evaluations and ...

The candidate is expected to work independently under the supervision of a molecular virologist and a chemical engineer to delineate how and why hepatitis E virus infects across species barriers and ...

Virologist information

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$69K

$94K

$146K

How much do virologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for virologist in the United States is $93,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of a virologist?

A virologist studies viruses and their interactions with host organisms, focusing on virus structure, behavior, and effects. They conduct research to understand virus transmission, develop vaccines, and improve treatments, often working in laboratories and using specialized tools like microscopes and molecular techniques.

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

To thrive as a Virologist, you need a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, usually supported by an advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques like PCR, cell culture, electron microscopy, and bioinformatics software is essential, along with safety certifications for handling infectious agents. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication skills help virologists interpret complex data and collaborate on research teams. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, safe laboratory practices, and successful contributions to scientific understanding and public health.

How much money do virologists make?

Virologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in laboratory techniques or research may earn higher salaries, especially in government or private industry roles.

What is the difference between Virologist vs Microbiologist?

AspectVirologistMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Ph.D. in virology, microbiology, or related fieldUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in microbiology or related field; advanced roles may require a Ph.D.
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, hospitals, government agencies focusing on virusesLabs, healthcare, environmental agencies working with various microorganisms
Industry UsagePrimarily in healthcare, research, and public health sectorsHealthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, food safety

Virologists specialize in studying viruses, their structure, and behavior, often focusing on viral diseases. Microbiologists have a broader scope, studying all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus and application areas.

What are some common challenges virologists face when working in a laboratory setting?

Virologists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict biosafety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure personal safety, especially when handling highly infectious agents. They also need to adapt quickly to evolving research methods and technologies, which may require ongoing training. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists and clinicians, can present communication and coordination hurdles, but is essential for comprehensive research. Additionally, securing research funding and publishing findings in reputable journals are ongoing pressures that virologists navigate as part of their career.

Are virologists in high demand?

Virologists are in increasing demand due to ongoing research in infectious diseases and public health. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as laboratories, healthcare institutions, and government agencies seek experts in virus research, diagnostics, and vaccine development.

What are the careers in virology?

Careers in virology include roles such as research scientists, clinical virologists, laboratory technicians, and public health specialists. These professionals work in academic institutions, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare settings, often requiring advanced degrees and laboratory skills to study viruses, develop vaccines, and improve disease control methods.

What does a virologist do?

A virologist is a scientist who studies viruses and virus-like agents, including their structure, function, and ways they infect and interact with host organisms. Their work often involves identifying, classifying, and understanding how viruses spread, as well as developing ways to prevent or treat viral infections. Virologists may work in research, clinical diagnostics, public health, or pharmaceutical development, contributing to the control and prevention of viral diseases.
More about Virologist jobs
Infographic showing various Virologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $93,970 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Senior Virologist, DeepMind

DeepMind

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

info_outline
X Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Mountain View, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • PhD in virology or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of postdoctoral or clinical experience spanning pathogenic viruses, bacteria, or agriculture.
  • 2 years of experience applying biosecurity principles to evaluate the intersection of microbiology and AI safety, including Large Language Model (LLM) risk assessments.
  • Experience identifying and documenting misuse scenarios for emerging technologies.
  • Experience delivering technical presentations or reports, and translating data for cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience in clinical wet lab virology and working in BSL-2 labs (or higher).
  • Experience in using command line tools and coding.
  • Knowledge of the issues with Dual Use Biology.
  • Knowledge of issues of biological weapons, potential mitigations and awareness of relevant stakeholders.
  • Understanding of Safety Frameworks in AI. Knowledge of the Biological Weapons Convention. An interest in the ethics and safety of AI systems, and in AI policy.
  • Actively leveraged AI tools to accelerate research pipelines or safety benchmarks by a measurable margin.

About the job
As a part of the Responsible Development and Innovation team (ReDI) at DeepMind, you will be a virologist with extensive wet lab experience, focused on biology evaluations and mitigations of large language models (LLMs).
In this role, you will develop and maintain evaluations that enable decision-makers to ensure model releases are safe and responsible, along with the infrastructure that supports them.
Artificial intelligence will be one of humanity's most transformative inventions. At Google DeepMind, we are a pioneering AI lab with exceptional interdisciplinary teams focused on advancing AI development to solve complex global challenges and accelerate high-quality product innovation for billions of users. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, ensuring safety and ethics are always our highest priority.
We are pushing the boundaries across multiple domains. Our global teams offer diverse learning opportunities and varied career pathways for those driven to achieve exceptional results through collective effort.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $174000 - $253000 (USD) 15% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop and execute biology evaluations to test the safety of AI models.
  • Drive the development and delivery of harm frameworks and mitigation strategies.
  • Communicate results to relevant teams and decision-makers.
  • Collaborate with experts in various fields of science, AI ethics, policy and safety.

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