Associate Scientist

Location

Bethesda, 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 an Associate Scientist that will be responsible for developing and supervising research projects and investigating the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. A major goal of our work is developing antiviral countermeasures against emerging henipaviruses. Specifically, we are interested in three main themes:

• Characterizing the zoonotic potential of emergent henipaviruses through a reductionist study of henipavirus protein-protein interactions,
• Exploring the cellular life cycle of henipaviruses utilizing Cedar virus as a model henipavirus, and
• Developing and optimizing henipavirus

This position will be in support of Dr. Eric Laing at Uniformed University of the Health Sciences in the microbiology and immunology department.

• Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocol.
• Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
• Processes and interprets experimental data.
• May train and supervise technical staff.
• Coordinates with other technical and professional staff.
• Prepares funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• May pe rform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.
• Analyze post-cellular entry virus-specific pathway signaling responses.
• Conduct molecular virology research including planning and performing cell culture infection studies.
• Organize and maintain integrity of data with prime and co-investigator institutions.
• Assist in training of students and research assistants as directed by the federal task leader on the molecular and virological methods and procedures.
• Locate and review literature pertinent to projects and to identify/modify the most applicable statistical methods for model generation.
• Develop methods for research aims and objectives, and collect, organize and record data suitable for publication.
• Troubleshoot assays and adjust scientific methodology to correct problems or deficiencies in research projects.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records to ensure proper retention of scientific data.

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.
• PhD degree in virology, microbiology, infectious diseases or a related field.
• Experience in utilizing infectious diseases within a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) environment
• Experience performing sterile cell culture
• Experience working viruses and cell lines.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing virus-cell interaction experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology technique, e.g., protein-protein interactions.
• Demonstrated experience with confocal and fluorescence microscopy, and live-cell imaging
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper data management and sharing.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 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  

• Ph.D in a related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

All HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will 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.

Job tags

Salary