Research Assistant I - PCR Reagent Optimization - 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. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment. This is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series. 

This position will be in support of Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) / Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD).

The Principal Investigator of the contract serves as overall Supervisor. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Chief Scientist and Head of the Molecular Diagnostics Program. Direction of the incumbent may be delegated to the Deputy of the Molecular Diagnostics Program or QA/PT Manager. The incumbent will receive general instructions and guidance from the supervisor or delegated supervisor but is expected to perform successfully without daily or detailed supervision, and within the group atmosphere of the research program and its laboratories.

The incumbent is appointed as a Research Assistant assigned to perform scientific research experiments and procedures in fulfillment of the scope of work of the contract. The incumbent will carry out various research efforts for the development and production of PCR-based molecular assays and for the Quality Assurance/Proficiency Testing (QA/PT) Program for the detection of various biological threat agents of military relevance. The incumbent performs duties as a general staff member of the Biological Defense Research Directorate at the Naval Medical Research Center. 

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.

• In assistance to the Principal Investigator and the Senior Staff Scientists of the Biological Defense Research Directorate, the incumbent is responsible for conducting molecular biological techniques necessary for the design, construction and production of PCR and biosensor-based molecular assays for the rapid detection and diagnosis of various biological or infectious agents of military relevance. The specific agents are assigned by the supervisor(s) in conjunction with the direction of the funding agency’s research mandate. In addition, the incumbent is expected to assist when needed with conducting administrative and scientific tasks necessary for the execution of the QA/PT program.
• Primarily, the incumbent will perform, at a minimum, the following tasks: Production of reagents, primer/probe design in support of assay development, purification of nucleic acids, cloning of recombinant materials, growth of bacterial and viral cultures, and optimization of PCR assays. The incumbent is also responsible for maintaining inventory of laboratory supply stocks including primers and probes, general laboratory maintenance procedures, the production of routine laboratory reagents used in the project such as master mixes, buffers, etc., and for the development of SOPs detailing procedures conducted in the laboratory. Other scientific procedures will be assigned by the supervisor(s) as are necessary for the fulfillment of experiments for the scope of work of the contract.
• As needed for the QA/PT program, the incumbent will download, file and confirm receipt of incoming tests, track customer questions and concerns during testing cycles, maintain routine communication with customer labs and monitor changes in customer POCs, perform preliminary scoring of written and hands-on tests, organize and execute sample assembly and shipment, maintain inventory of supplies required for PT sample shipment and production, and participate in the laboratory production of PT samples.
• The incumbent will assist senior staff in training co-workers, new technicians, and visiting scientists in all procedures listed above.
• The incumbent will assist in preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations concerning scientific data surrounding experiments and procedures developed and performed under the direction of supervisor(s).
• The incumbent will be expected to participate, on an appropriate level of scientific expertise and competence, in research field studies in support of the scope of work of the contract. Such field studies may be conducted domestically or internationally.
• The incumbent will perform background literature searches and maintain laboratory records and notebooks as required.          
• The incumbent will attend program group seminars and meetings as required.
• The incumbent will become familiar with and perform required laboratory maintenance and safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration

• The incumbent will be required to attend any and all certification or on-site training as required for on-going employment in the host facility. The incumbent will be expected to apply for and be successfully processed for a security clearance at the secret level. The incumbent must be capable of obtaining a travel passport for official business.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The incumbent is required to have achieved a level of professional expertise commensurate with the scientific procedures essential to the completion of the scope of work of the grant and to have strong organizational and communication skills.
• The incumbent is required to remain open to more advanced training as may be mandated by research needs and the scope of work of the grant.
• Prior experience in a lab or research setting. 
• Ability to work well with others in a team setting.
• Biology or chemistry background required.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Work Environment 

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Laboratories and collaborative research sites of the Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center.  The incumbent will adhere to all Command regulations as related to the general work environment of the host facility including program specific laboratory maintenance, biosafety procedures and regulations, and all assigned training.

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.