Associate Scientist (Viral and Rickettsial Diseases) - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Associate Scientist to be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will be in support of the Diagnostics and Surveillance Department (DSD), Defense Infectious Diseases Directorate (DIDD), Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), in Silver Spring, Maryland. The incumbent is responsible for planning and executing projects including, but not limited to, developing diagnostic and surveillance assays for military relevant infectious diseases, conducting laboratory experiments and providing support for rickettsial disease surveillance and developing proposals to further expand the research program. The incumbent shall apply all state-of-art techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology and/or bioinformatics to advance currently funded projects. In addition, the incumbent is expected to develop new research projects to compliment overall program mission and expand the horizon of the program by introducing innovative and novel ideas. The incumbent shall work closely with project leader and collaborate with other scientists in the department, inside or outside of NMRC with similar or complementary research interest. The incumbent is also expected to keep abreast of current literature and to attend seminars and conferences in related research fields to better advance surveillance and diagnosis for infectious diseases. 

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.

• Design experiments and performs laboratory procedures to achieve specific aims and complete project deliverables within scheduled time frame.
• Keeps good record of experimental data, and perform data analysis, interpretation in a timely manner.
• Regularly communicate with project leader to provide research progress and share results with other scientists in the laboratory on collaborative projects.
• Develop new grant and funding applications in line with program mission and draft technical reports, standard operating protocols, abstracts and manuscripts for publication. Occasionally review such documents from other members of the research group.
• Presents research data/surveillance findings in laboratory, departmental meetings, national and/or international conferences.
• Train and supervise laboratory technical staff.
• Keeps abreast with the current advancement in relevant research areas, especially in the surveillance and diagnostic areas.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in microbiology, immunology or related field of study required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required. 1 year of supervisory laboratory experience is highly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data. 
• Proposal development experience preferred. 
• Knowledge of basic laboratory SOP's required. 
• Ability to work with laboratory employees at various levels required. 
• Knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, immunology techniques required. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check. 

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment

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

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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.