Agency-wide Requirements
All applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
- At least 18 years of age
- Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
- Able to complete security and medical evaluations
- Registered for the Selective Service
About the Job
As a biological research scientist within CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T), you will apply scientific expertise as an integral member of a technical team of innovative, expert problem solvers who deliver new solutions in support of CIA’s mission to collect foreign intelligence.
DS&T biological research scientists combine specialized technical knowledge and skills across the life sciences, to design, steer, and participate in the work of collaborative teams. Your work will be realized by leveraging advancements in biotechnologies and the broader life sciences with an emphasis on developing novel capabilities and providing technical insights on the nation’s most difficult national security challenges.
You will develop your expertise with Agency-sponsored continuing education, academic and conference participation, and highly integrated on the job training with domain experts.
Who You’ll Work With
At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.
Read more about diversity and inclusion
What You’ll Get
Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.
As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.
Learn more about working at CIA
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in any of the life sciences or biotechnology:
- Demonstrated proficiency in:
- Ability to learn new skills in pace with technological advances
- Adapting to fast paced, dynamic requirement environments
- Interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Strong team and independent work ethic
- Experience performing and managing research
- At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
- Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree in the life sciences, examples include:
- Synthetic Biology
- Computational biology
- Neuroscience
- Forensics (biology/chemistry)
- Bioengineering
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
- Biophysics
- Microbiology
- Proven ability to leverage existing and emerging technology to deliver solutions
- Multi-disciplinary teamwork experience
- Program Management Certification
- Experience designing innovative research programs
- Experience managing a range of research efforts at varying complexity