Join the HJF Team!

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.

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant II 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 problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment. This is a project-based position to December 2024 with potential for extension.

This position will be in support of the Institute of Surgical Research (ISR) Burn and Soft Tissue Research Support Services (BSTR), located at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX.

• Provide sterile surgical and post-surgical care for animals and induce anesthesia for animals during protocols.
• Assist in the necropsy, tissue collection, tissue preservation, and carcass disposal of experimental animals.
• Prepare media, buffers and reagents for experiments.
• May handle both animal and human pathological material.
• Conduct daily calibration of monitoring equipment during active protocols.
• Clean and sterilize all instruments/equipment in the surgery area and maintain all required materials and supplies in the laboratory, surgery and storage areas.
• Collect data from animal research subjects using advanced imaging systems/ physiologic monitoring systems.
• Isolate biomolecules from study samples including Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and proteins, and learn new methods and techniques as required.
• Separate and analyze sample proteins using various laboratory techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), magnetic bead multiplex assays and Western Blotting.
• Accurately enter and organize data collected during protocols utilizing Excel spreadsheets and perform basic statistical computations of "raw data” (e.g., mean, standard deviation, standard error, and analysis of variance).
• Utilize spreadsheets and image analysis programs for data analysis.
• Maintain records of experiments.
• Generate data for inclusion in study presentations and publications.
• 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.

• Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, immunology, biology or related scientific field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Must be comfortable working with animals for research. This includes rodents, rabbits and swine.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

• Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

• 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)