Overview

Join the HJF Team!

This position will be in support of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). This position will support research programs focused on the development of medical countermeasures (therapeutics and vaccines) for high containment viruses of interest to the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services. Research Associates will conduct laboratory studies at all biosafety levels (BSL-2-4) aimed at understanding virus-host interactions, the efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics, and the mechanism behind protective efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics.

HJF is seeking a Research Associate III to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. Exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Provide training and guidance for lower level Research Associates and laboratory staff.

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.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex data analysis and interpretation, verifies, and corrects data entry.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Performs research assays to include, but not limited to, ELISAs, neutralization assays, plaque assays, viral propagations, IFAs, etc.
• Develops methods and procedures for experiments and investigations.
• Writes and assists with experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Analyzes and prepares reagent and/or assay product documentation. Organizes and procures needed reagents, performs experiments, analyzes data, and documents results.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Maintain an organized lab notebook, either physical or electronic.
• Provide experimental results in a timely, organized manner.
• Mentors, reviews, and supervises junior laboratory staff in the planning, execution, and analysis of 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.
• Present data both internally during lab meetings and externally at conferences.
• Maintain eligibility for enrollment in USAMRIID’s Biological Personal Reliability Program (BPRP), a pre-requisite for access to and working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May serve as assigned lead or provide input into employee hiring, personnel and disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, time and attendance.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's Degree preferred. Willing to consider candidates without a degree who have equivalent related experience.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of extremely complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to multi-task and conduct ≥3 assays per week.
• Manage a calendar to forward plan experiments and organize schedule in an efficient manner.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.
• Ability to enter BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories training program. 
• Experience with animal models is a plus.

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.