Research Associate I - Bacteriophage Science Division

Job Description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Phage Researcher to join our pioneering research team. This role is centered on the exploration and application of bacteriophages (phages) to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. The successful candidate will play a key role in our ongoing efforts to discover, characterize, and engineer bacteriophages for various applications, including phage-based therapeutics, prophylactics, and diagnostics. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of phage therapy, contributing to the development of novel solutions for infectious diseases. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and virology, with a passion for tackling the challenges of antibiotic resistance.

This position will be in support of Bacteriophage Science Division (BSD) of the Military Relevant Infections Division within the Infectious Disease Directorate at the Naval Medical Research Command.

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

Research and Development

• Design and execute experiments to isolate, purify, and characterize novel bacteriophages from diverse environmental sources.
• Develop and optimize protocols for phage propagation, titration, purification, and storage.
• Isolate and characterize phages with expanded host ranges, improved lytic activity, and the ability to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms.
• Conduct a wide range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning, western blotting, gel electrophoresis, and protein expression.
• Perform various assays to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of phages, including the development of bacterial phage resistance due to phage-host interactions.
• Generate technical data reports for laboratory experiments and perform data analysis using software such as Excel and Prism.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare figures for publications and presentations using PowerPoint.
• Contribute to testing engineered phages for the delivery of antimicrobial payloads (e.g., enzymes, toxins) to target bacteria.
• Contribute to the development of phage-based diagnostics, biosensors, and vaccines.
• Support the development of budgets for proposal submissions.
  
  

Laboratory Operations and Collaboration

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures and results in physical and electronic notebooks.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including microbiologists, chemists, and bioinformaticians.
• Assist with interim and annual reports and be responsible for explaining the project to military and civilian personnel associated with the study.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Assist in the training and mentorship of junior research staff and students.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines, including working with BSL-2 level pathogens.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientfic field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years’ experience required.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in a wide range of laboratory techniques related to microbiology and molecular biology.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly and concisely.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: A collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Initiative and Creativity: A proactive and innovative mindset with a passion for scientific discovery.
• Proven hands-on experience with bacteriophage biology.
• Demonstrated expertise in standard microbiology and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Must be organized, attentive to detail, and possess a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor.
• Must be flexible with changing priorities and able to communicate in a diplomatic and professional manner.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.
  
  

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
  
  

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$70,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.
  
  

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.
  
  

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.