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 position will be in support of Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch/Research Assessment and Development (RAD). The incumbent will work in the Research Assessment and Development (RAD) that evaluates, develops, validates and executes nucleic acid based testing in support of clinical and research testing operations for the detection, quantification and/or speciation of HIV, bloodborne infections, parasites, and other pathogens of US Military interest. The incumbent will perform laboratory functions under “College of American Pathologists” (CAP) regulations as tests developed may be transferred to the CAP accredited HIV Diagnostics and Reference Laboratory in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB) within the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The incumbent will be responsible for the workflow in the Technology Assessment Laboratory to ensure the proper performance of the weekly and daily tasks and goals established in conjunction and under the supervision of the Technical Supervisor. The incumbent will perform Laboratory Developed Tests (LDT) and routine/specialized molecular tests in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Laboratory Practices and CAP/CLIA/FDA regulatory agency requirements. Incumbent may represent TAL in inter-department meetings

• Under the direction of the Team Lead, oversees daily laboratory activities including assigning testing and maintenance tasks, performing initial document reviews, notifying supervisor of laboratory issues, and makes recommendations for process improvement.
• Performs and tracks ordering.
• Maintains reagent and consumable inventory at acceptable levels including tracking of expiration dates to ensure uninterrupted laboratory functions.
• Assists the Team Lead with maintaining equipment inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Maintains current chemical inventory, SDS, and waste records.
• Maintains testing metrics.
• Performs weekly laboratory safety walkthroughs and addresses any deficiencies.
• Performs risk monitoring and brings all concerns to the Team Lead in a timely manner. Works with the Technical Supervisor to mitigate risk and implement solutions leading to quality improvement of laboratory workflow and activities. Tracks completion/resolution of all issues.
• Oversees training schedules for new staff members and ensures competency for all staff.
• Assists the Technical Supervisor in developing, implementing, maintaining and validating SOPs as required.
• Maintains and promotes a clean, safe work, and uncluttered work environment. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment and follows appropriate disposal of infectious and chemical waste as designated by laboratory and Biorepository areas.
• Performs molecular assays in support of clinical and research protocols in a regulated environment.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation for all testing, maintenance, and any other assigned activities.
• Efficiently performs repetitive manual tasks requiring attention to detail.
• Utilizes state-of-art instrumentation in performing PCR, qPCR and ddPCR assays.
• Prepares quality control solutions, reagents, kits and specimens for analysis in clinical diagnostic assays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in performance of molecular testing procedures.
• Experience within a BSL2 (or higher) laboratory environment.
• Experienced in preparation of SOP’s and Excel Workbooks. Highly organized.
• Excellent communication and accountability.
• Ability to work independently once trained and maintains excellent records with a keen attention to detail.
• Previous experience overseeing a project or team is a plus.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

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

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience 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.