Molecular Biology Research Assistant II - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Molecular Biology Research Assistant II to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment.

This position will be in support of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Medical Readiness Systems Biology Branch (MRSB). MRSB, aligned under the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience (CMPN), consists of a team of laboratory molecular biology research scientists and technicians alongside computational biologists and bioinformaticians focused on identifying biomarkers of disease using a systems biology and multi-omics approach. Laboratory scientists and support staff complete a wide range of laboratory assays necessary for generating multi-omics datasets as well as research dissemination efforts including compiling, summarizing, and presenting information to inform novel research efforts and disseminate findings. Computational scientists perform advanced data analyses and manage big data to identify biomarkers and develop products for a variety of stakeholders across the military health system, in addition to, conducting literature reviews, writing manuscripts, and developing new research protocols, and funding proposals. Products developed, analyzed, and presented by the MRSB are regularly used by enterprise leadership to inform doctrine, practices, and policies.
The research mission of MRSB aims to apply robust and precise molecular-based solutions for military-relevant health performance, resilience, and readiness. MRSB is a disease agnostic program that utilizes high-throughput, multi-omics platforms supported by a suite of cutting edge, targeted assay tools and AI-driven analytical capabilities to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and generate a knowledge base about biological mechanisms and personalized care. MRSB is committed to developing a

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 is contingent on contract award.

• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures.
• Ensures the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• Applies quality control measures as outlined/required by the protocol. Provides basic data analysis.
• Performs laboratory research projects, including collection and organization of data, and maintaining databases. Makes detailed observations on experiments.
• Assists in the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations.
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks. May provide basic instruction to other lab 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.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.  Masters' preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Research training and proficiency in statistical analysis biomedical research, and quantitative analysis.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance

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.

Compensation 

• The likely salary range for this position is $43,650 - $60,000 annually.  This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary.  Final salary will be determined based on market analysis, experience, and education. 

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.