Senior Biophysicist

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 Ski...