Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Associate Scientist with veterinarian duties to develop and supervise research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols utilizing animal preclinical models, including preparation and execution of studies. Supports and advises other team members on animal experimental design and best practices for animal procedure techniques. Ensures IACUC reports and protocols are approved and accurate and coordinates with vivarium staff on shipping, housing, and other institutional accreditation standards.

This position will be in support of the Combat Wounds Infections Division (CWID) at the Operationally Relevant Infections Department (ORI), of the Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD.

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.

• Plans, executes, and oversees laboratory research. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocols. Assists the department head in establishing and meeting agreed upon research milestones.
• Advises and assists research investigators on experimental design and procedures in animal studies. Plan, organize, and perform experimental animal procedures (small animal surgery, large surgery, monitor, post-surgery observation, data collection at time points) in support of research studies. Conducts ongoing education of team members in regard to animal experiments.
• Maintains approved and accurate animal use protocols with input of Principal Investigators and senior scientific staff– draft, edit, prepare amendments, ensure staff are up to date on appropriate training, route for approvals, and ensure that all components of the active experiments have been approved within the protocol(s). Tracks animal use in studies, monitors experiments performed under IACUC protocols, and manages adverse events and animal records.
• Responsible for writing new, renewing, and maintain IACUC protocols with support from more senior personnel.
• Interact closely with both veterinarians in the animal facility and other internal collaborators/departments to coordinate surgery and experimental space and preparations, equipment and medication management. Serves as liaison to the program manager on employee issues and in the procurement of and/or housing of animals. Maintains essential veterinary skills via seminars, trainings and collaboration with vivarium Veterinary staff as needed.
• Processes and interprets experimental data. Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Monitors scientific literature. Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• Coordinates and prepares new grant and funding applications.
• Collaborates with other technical and professional staff. Trains and supervises 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience 

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

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.
• Previous experience working with animal models is strongly preferred.  
• Previous experience with IACUC protocols is strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

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.

Compensation 

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$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.

Some 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.