Postdoctoral Fellow (Enteric Diseases

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.

This position will be in support of  the Deployment Associated Infections Division, Operationally Relevant Infections Department at the Naval Medical Research Command providing scientific support to the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Branch. The Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Branch of the Deployment Associated Infections Division performs research and leads development of diarrheal prophylactic and countermeasures. The position is immediately available for a highly motivated candidate studying the enteric pathogens E. coli and Campylobacter and development of anti-diarrheal products under scientists and Department Head, Dr. Frederic Poly. Specifically, the position will be responsible for supporting development and analysis of preventative combatting antimicrobial resistant enteric infections. Incumbent will work closely with the principal investigators and other scientific and technical staff. Responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team.

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

• Major duties and responsibilities include PCR, sequencing, cloning, purification of recombinant proteins, production, isolation and characterization of capsular polysaccharides from Campylobacter jejuni, conjugation of capsules to protein carriers, and characterization of the conjugates. Working in a multidisciplinary team is essential.
• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocol.
• Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures that includes isolation and characterization of capsular polysaccharides from Campylobacter jejuni, conjugation of capsules to protein carriers, cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of carrier proteins, evaluation of functionality of anti-diarrheal prophylactics and countermeasures. Skills include use of HPLC, FPLC, immunoblotting, ELISAs, conjugation chemistry, bacterial genetics and molecular biology.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments. Collects and handles samples and maintains detailed records of experiments. Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories and logbooks. Analyzes and interprets data. Performs data entry for research projects and maintains databases.
• Interacts and communicates with colleagues and collaborators. Coordinates with other technical and professional staff.
• Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals. Writes technical reports, summaries and protocols.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications.
• May train and supervise technical staff.
• 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 applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and may supervise others.

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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