Biology Specialist

TaskUs

. Conduct first-line evaluation of automated detection flags across critical biological threat vectors .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • United StatesJunior💰 $80,000 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in evaluating biological threat vectors and applying biosecurity guidelines, with a strong foundation in microbiology and virology. Proficient in documenting findings and articulating scientific reasoning, while adhering to containment protocols and safety classifications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Graduate-Level Degree In MicrobiologyKnowledge Of Containment Protocols (BSL-2+)Experience In Biological Discipline Or Biosecurity SettingStrong Written English CommunicationFamiliarity With DNA Synthesis Screening Protocols

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Virological FundamentalsMicrobiological FundamentalsGene Synthesis WorkflowsCRISPR WorkflowsPathogen HandlingBiological Threat EvaluationSynthetic Biology ProtocolsAerosolization TechniquesPurification ProtocolsBiosecurity Guidelines

Soft Skills

Scientific ReasoningConcise CommunicationAttention To Detail

Tools & Technologies

Genomic DatabasesComputational Biology ToolsLarge Language ModelsPrompt Engineering

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret Or Higher)

Industry Keywords

Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)Public Health SurveillanceDual-Use Research Of Concern (DURC)BiodefenseBiosecurity Frameworks

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct first-line evaluation of automated detection flags across critical biological threat vectors
Review sourcing and acquisition of Tier 1 select agents and high-consequence pathogens
Evaluate genetic modifications enhancing virulence, transmissibility, or immune evasion
Review production, scaled culturing, fermentation, and purification protocols
Review formulation, aerosolization, stabilization, and dissemination techniques
Distinguish legitimate scientific work from requests seeking actionable weaponization or harm pathways
Apply policy-aligned classification labels to adjudicated cases to support automated safety classifiers
Review life-science literature, genomic databases, and biosecurity guidelines
Verify whether flagged queries involve restricted agents or novel dual-use risks
Document findings and prepare case handoffs for ambiguous, high-risk, or boundary cases
Participate in calibration sessions and integrate feedback for uniform labeling precision
Review flagged prompts and scientific inquiries related to dangerous biological agents, toxin extraction, and synthetic biology protocols

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduate-level degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Synthetic Biology, Biosecurity, or a directly related life-sciences discipline
1–3 years of practical laboratory, research, or analytical experience in a biological discipline or biosecurity setting; graduate research experience applies
Solid understanding of virological and microbiological fundamentals
Knowledge of containment protocols (BSL-2+)
Knowledge of basic gene synthesis/CRISPR workflows and pathogen handling
Strong written English communication and ability to articulate scientific reasoning concisely in case logs
Based in the United States with unrestricted work authorization
Texas residency preferred
Exposure to the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) or international biosecurity frameworks is nice to have
Academic or professional background in biodefense, public health surveillance, or dual-use research of concern (DURC) is nice to have
Experience with DNA synthesis screening protocols or computational biology tools is nice to have
Familiarity with large language models, prompt engineering, or AI safety concepts is nice to have
Active or previously held U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret or higher) is nice to have
Selected candidates may be subject to client-directed insider-threat screening, background checks, and academic credential verification prior to and during engagement

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive industry salaries
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Inclusive environment and positive impact on the community
Internal mobility and professional growth opportunities
Possible rotational shift or occasional weekend/holiday coverage to maintain operational review timelines