ORBS - Research Support for Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety Opportunities

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is enthusiastic about becoming the team to support the ORBS (Research Support for Optical Radiation Bioeffects and Safety) contract, located at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in San Antonio, Texas. This program offers on site opportunities supporting the Directed Energy Bioeffects Division of the 711th Human Performance Wing, located at Joint Base San Antonio. This research program focused on utilizing advanced human-relevant cellular models to improve understanding of human bioeffects from high energy laser and nuclear flash exposure. The dedicated team will work alongside government research partners to plan and execute advanced biological experiments aimed at understanding the bioeffects of laser and flash injury and analyze and report these findings. Successful candidates hired under this contract will be independent self-starters, have excellent organizational and time management skills, demonstrable written and oral communication skills, and thrive in a collaborative, team-based, mission-oriented environment. Flexibility and a positive attitude toward shifting priorities and evolving schedules are also important, as research timelines and project focus areas are dynamic. Positions include: Senior Scientist- Advanced Bioeffects Research The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, experimental execution, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a fast-paced research environment. Responsibilities will include performing various assays, such as next-generation sequencing library preparation, microscopy, cytokine/inflammatory analysis, and other cellular assays. Research Scientist - Advanced Bioeffects Research The ideal candidate will perform, analyze and report bioeffects data related to laser exposure and wounding, using advanced cellular models including immortalized and primary cells, tissue organoids, transwell and advanced co-culture systems. Responsibilities will include in vitro laboratory research working collaboratively with the team to perform a variety of assays, including library preparations, barrier integrity assessments, cell viability tests, DNA/RNA extractions, and other in vitro assays. Laboratory Manager - Advanced Bioeffects Research The ideal candidate will oversee day-to-day lab operations, including, project tracking, inventory/equipment management, and coordination of laboratory activities. Responsibilities include supporting scientists and technicians who perform bioeffects research, ensuring smooth execution of projects and accurate documentation. Laboratory Support Manager - Vivarium The ideal candidate will oversee day-to-day vivarium operations, including animal study coordination, inventory/equipment management, and scheduling of laser exposure and ocular assessment activities. Responsibilities will include supporting scientists, veterinarians, and technicians who perform bioeffects research, ensuring smooth execution of protocols, adherence to regulatory standards, and accurate documentation. Research Scientist - In Vivo Ocular Bioeffects The ideal candidate will design and execute animal exposure studies, perform detailed ocular assessments, analyze and interpret experimental data. Responsibilities will include contributing to publications and technical reports in support of the program's scientific and operational objectives. Research Scientist - Laser-Induced Ocular Bioeffects (In Vivo Animal Exposure) The ideal candidate will design and execute animal exposure studies, perform detailed ocular assessments, analyze and interpret experimental data, and contribute to publications and technical reports in support of the program's scientific and operational objectives. The role requires strong experimental skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team of scientists, veterinarians, and technicians. Research Biomedical Engineer - Laser Eye Protection The ideal candidate will contribute to the design and evaluation of protective technologies (e.g., filters, coatings, devices), perform data-driven assessments of protection effectiveness, and support transition of LEP concepts to operational stakeholders. The role requires strong quantitative skills, familiarity with bioeffects research, excellent documentation practices, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic research environment. Research Scientist - Laboratory Test Engineer The ideal candidate will use creative problem solving and engineering skills to design, test and operate laboratory test infrastructure and perform state-of-the-art experiments in support of the USAF to characterize human bioeffects from optical (laser/flash) exposure. Responsibilities will include develop and maintain laboratory test infrastructure that integrates COTS and custom hardware, software, and data acquisition capabilities and support test activities through planning, documentation, execution, and post-test analysis. Electro-Optical Engineer The ideal candidate will apply engineering expertise and innovative problem solving to develop Electro-Optical (EO) solutions that enable critical laboratory testing to characterize and assess bioeffects after high-energy laser (HEL) exposure. Responsibilities will include maintain and operate optical characterization laboratory equipment and establish state-of-the-art techniques for advanced laser and optical measurements on biological and surrogate systems, including experimental design and characterization of critical optical and laser alignment parameters. Location: The primary location for this work with be on-site Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. We are advance hiring now for this opportunity with start dates expected post award in October 2026. If you are interested in joining the team please apply, and our recruiting team will follow up to start the interview evaluation process immediately. Don’t delay, contact us today! ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. Who We Are Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR