Biological Technician I, Sequencing and Detection - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team! 

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician III to performs intermediate to semi-complex laboratory procedures.  Provides assistance and supports supervisors with testing and experiments in various areas of a laboratory as needed. Uses some judgement to define and resolve problems and make recommendations.

This position will be in support of the Expeditionary Laboratory Operations Department (ELOD) of Naval Medical Research Command Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. The mission of the Microbiology and Immunology (MI) and Molecular Diagnostic (MD) departments of BDRD is to research, develop and produce detection and mitigation products to counter biological threat agents, both natural and man-made domestically and across the globe. As part of this mission, both MI and MD departments produce high quality reagents and assay kits that are used by the BDRD Expeditionary Laboratory Operations Department (ELOD), other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies and Federal partners to conduct field and laboratory-based analysis of potential bio-threat agents. In addition to reagent and assay production, both departments work together and with their sponsors and customers to develop new reagents and assays to meet the changing biological threat landscape.  Furthermore, the departments perform basic and applied research studies investigating pathogen-host interactions of emerging biothreats and development of medical countermeasures.

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. 

• Performs laboratory testing and experiments. Assists with data organization, analysis, and interpretation.
• Organizes, analyzes, and reports data to Lab Manager for distribution to internal and external collaborators.
• Assists with development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Ensures proper use of and adequate inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and performs general monitoring, calibration, and preventative maintenance.
• Assists in the optimization, qualification, validation, and troubleshooting of assay procedures and testing design.
• Documents testing results and records observations in accordance with good practice quality guidelines and regulations (GxP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and protocol requirements. Complies with laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans and procedures.
• 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 required; Bachelor or Masters degree in a Biological field preferred
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required
• 5 years of practical experience in detection and/or DNA sequencing is considered essential.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Technical knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of and skill in laboratory technique and handling biological and chemical hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• Must possess a practical knowledge of basic and applied research, including experimental design and methods, and must have demonstrated the ability to perform competent research.
• Must have demonstrated the ability to independently work on research projects, including data analysis, troubleshooting, and contributing to report writing.
• Should have the ability to lift at least 50lbs, familiarization with methods of biothreat detection, have stellar communication and training skills,
  and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience in bioinformatics is beneficial but not required.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.
• Must be able to travel nationally and internationally for moderate periods of time (up to 2 weeks in length)
• Fluent in the English language as exemplified in written and verbal skills

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Work Environment 

•  This position will take place primarily in a laboratory and/or field setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $24.09/hr - $38.89/hr. Actual hourly rate will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Some positions or sites may require the incumbent 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.