Research Assistant I - ORI - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. A Research Assistant (RA) is needed to provide laboratory and technical support to enteric disease research in the Operationally Relevant Infection (ORI) Department at the Naval Medical Research Center. The RA would work in collaboration with senior technical and professional staff on projects related to Campylobacter and Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) disease, candidate vaccines, and R&D for anti-diarrheal products. The RA would perform a variety of molecular, microbiological, and biochemical techniques as needed for specific project aims, such as: microbiological cell cultures, tissue culture, bacterial genetic techniques, characterization of bacterial growth and motility, recombinant protein expression and purification; processing and analysis of biological samples from small and large animal models. RA would also be responsible for technical assistance in experiment preparation and maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment, and administrative duties including maintaining laboratory records and databases for sample storage. This is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series. 

This position will be in support of the Deployment Associated Infections Division (DAID), within the Operationally Relevant Infection (ORI) Department, located at the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD.

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 projects under direction of senior staff, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs microbiology, molecular biology and biochemical experiments under supervision of senior staff.
• Performs experiments with small or large animal model samples including serum and other tissue samples.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner.
• Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with standard practice.
• Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Makes detailed observations on experiments.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Seeking talent with scientific fundamentals and analytical background, technical knowledge related to bacterial pathogens, mammalian innate and adaptive immunity, and host-pathogen interactions.
• Preferred experience with microbiological techniques, specifically handing bacteria with aseptic technique under BSL-1 and/or BSL-2 conditions, and molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA isolation, cloning, etc.) or biochemistry techniques (protein expression and purification).
• Familiarity with standard analysis software (Excel, GraphPad Prism or similar). Additional experience with specialized data analysis tools (DNAstar, FlowJo, FCS Express, R) and the quantitative background to perform analyses is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team, follow detailed instructions, collect observations and analyze data.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to work on multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment 

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $18.25-$24.04. Actual hourly pay 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.

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.