Research Associate - Viral Sequencing

Location

Silver Spring, 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 Research Associate to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. May provide limited guidance to lower-level Research Associates. This is the second of four levels within the Research Associate series.

This position will be in support of research conducted in the laboratories of Dr. Morgane Rolland at the U.S. Military HIV Research Program in the Viral Genomic Section and Systems Serology Core:

The lab focuses on understanding infectious disease dynamics, particularly for HIV-1, and translating this knowledge to develop vaccines. The candidate will develop and conduct assays to characterize the HIV-1 reservoir.

Note: This site requires that non U.S. Citizens reside in the United States for three of the five recent years. 

Level I

• Plans, conducts, and completes investigations under supervision.
• Performs routine data analysis and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Maintains records and documentation regarding assigned research.
• Assists with the writing and editing of experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Analyzes and prepares reagent and/or assay product documentation. Organizes and procures needed reagents, performs experiments, analyzes data, and documents results.
• 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.

Level II

• All of the responsibilities as a Research Associate I in addition to:
• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Trains junior laboratory staff in laboratory techniques and processes, as needed.
• Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation, and verifies and corrects data entry.
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.

• Strong molecular biology skills required. Previous experience with DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, and sequencing is preferred. Knowledge of HIV reservoir and single cell assays is desired.

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

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

  Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements:  

• Research Associate I: Minimum of 0-2 years experience is required.
• Research Associate II: minimum of 3-5 years of experience is 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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