Senior Biology Specialist

TaskUs

. Review and adjudicate nuanced, high-severity cases escalated from automated detection queues and Junior Specialists across priority biosecurity risk vectors .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • United StatesSenior💰 $100,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in biodefense and biosecurity, with a strong focus on evaluating high-consequence pathogens and formulating risk assessments. Proficient in technical writing and mentoring, with a solid understanding of federal guidelines and laboratory operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Degree In Microbiology5+ Years In BiodefenseHigh-Consequence Pathogen FamiliarityTechnical Writing SkillsPeer-Review Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Biodefense PolicyBiosafety OversightPublic Health Threat SurveillanceDNA Synthesis ScreeningGene Editing ComplianceRisk AssessmentQuality AssuranceCase AnnotationTechnical FeedbackOperational Labeling Consistency

Soft Skills

MentoringConstructive FeedbackCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Computational Biology ToolsAI Safety

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Federal Select Agent ProgramBSL-3 Laboratory OperationsDoD/DTRAHHS/ASPR/BARDACDCNational Biodefense LaboratoriesTexas Residency

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Review and adjudicate nuanced, high-severity cases escalated from automated detection queues and Junior Specialists across priority biosecurity risk vectors
Evaluate sourcing and acquisition pathways for Tier 1 select agents, toxins, and high-consequence pathogens
Assess genetic modification aimed at enhancing transmissibility, lethality, or immune evasion
Review production protocols involving scaled culturing, fermentation, purification, and downstream processing
Evaluate formulation, aerosolization, stabilization, and delivery/dispersion mechanics
Distinguish legitimate academic, medical, or diagnostic research from actionable, weaponized biological pathways
Perform quality assurance on Junior Specialists’ casework and provide constructive technical feedback
Help lead regular calibration sessions to ensure consistency across the pod
Evaluate customer appeals and document evidence-backed rationales for warnings, suspensions, and bans
Recommend policy determinations
Generate precise case annotations for gold-standard benchmark datasets used to measure and fine-tune automated safety filters
Synthesize technical findings into risk assessments for the Principal Biology Specialist and client safety leads
Escalate novel threat patterns or ambiguous boundary cases promptly

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced Degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Synthetic Biology, Biosecurity, or a directly related discipline
5+ years of professional experience in biodefense, biosecurity policy, biosafety oversight (IBC/BSO), public health threat surveillance, or BSL-3 laboratory operations
Deep technical familiarity with high-consequence human, animal, and plant pathogens, toxin production pathways, and the Federal Select Agent Program guidelines
Proven ability to discern benign educational or defensive life-science questions from illicit protocol formulation with partial or fragmented user input
Demonstrated capability to peer-review scientific analysis, maintain operational labeling consistency, and mentor junior colleagues
Strong technical writing skills and ability to summarize complex microbiological mechanisms into concise, actionable risk memos
Based in the United States with unrestricted work authorization
Texas residency preferred
Prior work with DoD/DTRA, HHS/ASPR/BARDA, CDC, state public health labs, or national biodefense laboratories is a plus
Experience with DNA synthesis screening protocols, gene editing compliance, or biosecurity red-teaming is a plus
Working knowledge of AI safety, prompt evaluation, or computational biology tools is a plus
Active or recent U.S. Government Security Clearance is valued, not required
Selected candidates may be subject to client-directed insider-threat screening, background checks, and academic credential verification

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
Internal mobility and professional growth opportunities
Inclusive environment and positive impact on the community