The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Biophysicist to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting.  Many experiments use animals to study laser effects on biological tissues to determine the short and long-term bioeffects associated with laser exposures, biological damage mechanisms and thresholds, and laser-tissue interactions for given optical parameters.  The Senior Biophysicist will help plan and conduct experiments advancing state-of-the-art research and development in biophotonics and its technology applications. The experiments include studies at the in-vitro and ex-vivo levels, as well as at the level of both animals and humans (in-vivo), with supporting computer modeling at all levels. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. 

The Senior Biophysicist serves as a technical authority and research lead for experimental investigations of laser–tissue interactions using animal specimens. This position designs, executes, and interprets controlled laboratory experiments to characterize biological effects, injury mechanisms, thresholds, and recovery associated with laser exposure. The candidate provides scientific leadership across multidisciplinary teams and ensures research is conducted in compliance with ethical, regulatory, and safety requirements while supporting DoD mission needs.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in Spring 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of laser exposure experiments on animal tissues to study biological effects, damage mechanisms, and dose–response relationships. Develop experimental protocols, exposure parameters, and measurement approaches aligned with approved animal use and research objectives. Serve as principal or co-principal investigator for laser bioeffects studies, including hypothesis formulation, experimental planning, and data interpretation. Integrate laser systems, optical diagnostics, and biological measurement techniques to produce high-quality, reproducible data. Analyze experimental results using appropriate biophysical, statistical, and computational methods. Ensure full compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, DoD regulations, and laboratory safety standards. Collaborate with veterinarians, biomedical engineers, laser engineers, and statisticians to ensure scientific rigor and animal welfare. Document and communicate research findings through technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications. Provide technical mentorship to junior scientists, engineers, and research staff. Support transition of research outcomes to operational guidance, standards, or follow-on programs.

Key Skills and Competencies

Deep expertise in laser–tissue interactions, biophysics, and optical bioeffects. Strong understanding of biological damage mechanisms, thermal and photochemical effects, and injury thresholds. Hands-on experience with laser systems and optical experimental setups in a laboratory environment. Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of biological data. Working knowledge of animal research methodologies and ethical considerations. Ability to integrate multidisciplinary inputs from optics, biology, engineering, and medicine. Strong technical writing and briefing skills for scientific and DoD stakeholder audiences. Sound judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor and safety.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Biology, or a closely related discipline. Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience conducting experimental bioeffects research involving lasers or optical radiation. Must be a US citizen. Experience developing and working under approved IACUC protocols. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline. Experience in DoD, AFRL, or other government research laboratory environments. Background in vision science, tissue injury assessment, or human effects research. Experience supporting development of safety standards, exposure limits, or operational guidance. Existing TS or TS/SCI clearance

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities, and freedom to grow and pursue work that they are passionate about. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

 

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Senior Biophysicist position.