Research Associate II - Entomology

Job Description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

This position will be in support of One Health Vector Diagnostic Section, Entomology Branch at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD. This role will support the development of a novel strategy to cultivate Plasmodium falciparum parasites able to sustain high mosquito infections.

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

• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Assist with cryopreservation of human RBCs, inventory updates, and preparation (thaw) for use in vitro studies with BLS-2 pathogens and mosquito infections.
• Assist with cultivation of malaria parasites (in vitro) and maintain healthy lab-reared mosquitoes (following available SOPs) to support infection studies with BSL-2 pathogens (i.e., malaria parasites) and other vector-based research studies.
• Work with certified human blood products for use in parasite-vector research in the absence of animal protocol to sustain mosquito colonization.
• Prepare mosquitoes for infectious feeds and infect vectors using appropriate feeding devices, direct animal feeds (if available), or injection methods (depending on the pathogen).
• Harvest mosquito tissues (midgut and salivary glands) and collect expectorated mosquito saliva from uninfected and BSL-2 infected mosquitoes for subsequent analysis.
• Collect and organize laboratory data, provide data summaries, troubleshoot, and provide job-related progress reports/technical reports, as requested.
• Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation, and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Assist with recordkeeping, inventory of laboratory supplies, equipment and reagents.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory reagents, equipment, biological materials and other materials pertaining to experiment execution and laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• 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.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in a science related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience required.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Biological Safety Level 1 and 2 safety procedures, use of laboratory personal protective equipment.
• Laboratory experience. Knowledge of cell-based methods, molecular detection including PCR.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Must be comfortable working with mosquitos.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.
  
  

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer/laboratory bench for prolonged periods.
  
  

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Tasks may require some flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekend.
  
  

Compensation

• The annual salary for this position is $61,000-$80,000. 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.