Animal Technician III - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Animal Technician III to be responsible for providing the daily care of research animals and assisting with research projects as directed by the Principal Investigator or supervisor. Works on assignments that are moderately complex in nature where judgement is required in resolving problems and making routine recommendations.

This position will be in support of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). This position will support research programs focused on the development of medical countermeasures (therapeutics and vaccines) for high containment viruses of interest to the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services. Animal Technicians will conduct animal studies at all biosafety levels (BSL-2-4) aimed at understanding virus-host interactions, the efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics, and the mechanism behind protective efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Read, understand, and comply with animal protocols and institute SOPs governing procedures executed in accordance with animal protocols.
• Assist with performing daily observations/health checks for animal studies.
• Independently perform animal manipulations of mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets, to include but not limited to
  • Intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections, oral gavage, perfusions, euthanasia, intracardiac, submandibular, and retroorbital blood collection, necropsies, implanting microchips.
• Willingness to pursue and complete training to acquire new animal manipulation skills.
• Maintains records to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Collects experimental data from animals to include clinical score, weights, and temperature.
• Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories, and logbooks. Performs data entry for research projects and may maintain data and database(s).
• Performs mathematical calculations as needed.
• Develops standard operating procedures as needed.
• Communicate effectively with study PI and technical staff.
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks. Trains and assists lower-level laboratory staff.
• Maintain eligibility for enrollment in USAMRIID’s Biological Personal Reliability Program (BPRP) and Controlled Substances-PRP, a pre-requisite for access to and working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories and using DEA schedule I and II substances.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Associates Degree in a biological science.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic science and math principles.
• Experience monitoring the health status of animals.
• Ability to perform manipulations (injections, necropsies, blood collections, treatments, etc.) on several animal species (mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc.).
• Ability to enter BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories training program. 
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Physical Capabilities 

• Maintain sufficient health to be enrolled in and maintain good standing in USAMRIID’s BPRP.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.