Research Associate I (Mouse Colonies) - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate I who is responsible for breeding, maintaining and genotyping humanized mouse colonies and development of human monoclonal antibodies against infectious diseases. Perform molecular biology experiments involving but not limited to nucleic acid purification, PCR, ligation, sequencing, primer design and basic data analysis. Trouble shoot, prepare and optimize standard operating procedures and maintain consistency in assay performance. Generate data from various next-generation sequencing technologies and participate in analysis and data interpretation. Humanized mouse immunization and generation of human monoclonal antibodies.

This position will be in support of the Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics Department at the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, MD. The Department is engaged in research in development of vaccines and therapeutics for militarily relevant diseases. The Defense Infectious Diseases Directorate (DIDD) executes its research and development (R&D) mission under the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, the Defense Health Agency and the U. S. Army Medical Research and Development Command's (USAMRDC) Military Infectious Diseases Research Program (MIDRP). DIDD consists of five research departments that includes Operationally Relevant Infections (ORI), Agile Vaccines and Therapeutics (AVAT), Translational and Clinical Research (TraCR), and the Diagnostics and Surveillance Department (DSD). DIDD also has an Office of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Force Health Protection.

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.

Note: This site requires that non U.S. Citizens reside in the United States for three of the five recent years. 

• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development. Designs, writes, and executes protocols for evaluation of vaccine candidates in small and large animal models.
• Conducts laboratory assays to assess humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated animals.
• Develops and refines new assays for faster and efficient enumeration of immune responses to viruses and vaccines.
• Keeps abreast of recent literature and research in the related areas.
• Assists in the analyses and interpretation of data from studies and prepares abstracts and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at meetings.
• Develops new ideas into research proposals for external funding.
• Assists with training laboratory staff as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree required in life science preferred.
• Minimum 0-2 years of experience required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• At least one year research experience working with mice.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Experience with routine molecular biological and immunological procedures such as DNA sequencing and analysis, cloning and expression, western blots, ELISA, ELISPOT etc. 
• Able to work with animals and sterile tissue culture.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse breeding and colony maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse biosampling, injections, and processing of tissue specimens.
• Experience with mouse genotyping by FACS and or PCR is highly desirable.
• Experience with NET is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

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.