Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular

Location

Rockville, MD | United States

Job description

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  Postdoctoral Fellow to support the Research, Assessment and Development laboratory (RAD) in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will be responsible for the development, validation, evaluation, and implementation of molecular assays for use in the detection and quantification of pathogens of US Military and National interest. The incumbent will be a part of a dynamic scientific team to develop and improve diagnostic assays exploring novel ideas and approaches to detect infectious agents. Adapt existing assays improving performance, specificity/sensitivity and detection and quantification of pathogens of clinical and clinical research significance. The incumbent will be expected to apply molecular biology techniques and scientific principles and concepts to support clinical research initiatives and develop improved diagnostic assays. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment consisting of US Military, US Government, academic, and international collaborators.

Please click to learn more about DCB.

Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years. 

• Design, develop, evaluate and implement molecular and serological diagnostic assays to include Real-Time, Digital Droplet PCR, next generation systems for detection and/or quantification of infectious pathogens in a variety of specimen matrices.
• Establish documentation for, e.g., Standard Operation Procedures, work instructions, etc for laboratory developed and optimized assays.
• Assist in validation and verification performance of developed assays to meet regulatory compliance for testing of human biological specimens that are used to inform patient management or end point analyses for clinical research studies.
• Optimize nucleic acid extraction from various samples, amplification and detection procedures as required to achieve desired sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of assay performance.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, characterization and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Investigate diverse specimen matrices for screening/confirmation assays; investigate specimen preservation methods for sample integrity.
• Coordinate and conduct technology assistance for DCB collaborators as required.
• Coordinate implementation of new initiatives and research projects with senior leadership and technical staff within DCB.
• Assist with intramural and extramural applications for programmatic funding and grants proposals.
• Prepare written reports, abstracts for submission to scientific conferences, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Participate in DCB and WRAIR meetings and seminars
• Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise
• Maintains a safe work environment
• Completes all WRAIR safety, HIPPA, CITI and other required training within specified time frames.
• Completes other projects as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, tissue culture, handling of infectious agents, nucleic acid and protein extractions, purification and characterization.
• Use of relevant software for alignments, design of primers and DNA constructs. Use of relevant equipment to asses performance of assays and bridging studies to evaluate improvements.
• Excellent oral and communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently, and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data.

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. 

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree 
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

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.

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