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

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a 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 the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). This position will support research programs focused on the development of medical countermeasures (therapeutics and vaccines) for high containment viruses of interest to the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services. Research Assistants will conduct laboratory studies at all biosafety levels (BSL-2-4) aimed at understanding virus-host interactions, the efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics, and the mechanism behind protective efficacy of novel vaccines and therapeutics.

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. 

• Performs laboratory research projects including collection and organization of data. Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures. Oversees and ensures the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• Performs research assays to include, but not limited to, ELISAs, neutralization assays, plaque assays, viral propagations, IFAs, etc.
• Makes detailed observations about experiment. Provides quality control, trouble shooting, and the maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment.
• Conducts critical review of procedures, determining where issues occurred and formulating plans to correct problems as they arise.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Provides basic data analysis and interpretation. Assists in the preparation of manuscripts and data for presentations at scientific meetings and publication in journals.
• Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories, and logbooks. Performs data entry for research projects and may maintain data and database(s).
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks. Trains and assists lower-level laboratory staff.
• Present data both internally during lab meetings and externally at conferences
• Maintain eligibility for enrollment in USAMRIID’s Biological Personal Reliability Program (BPRP), a pre-requisite for access to and working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories.
• 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 in Biology.
• Minimum of 3+ years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to multi-task and conduct ≥3 assays per week.
• Manage a calendar to forward plan experiments and organize schedule in an efficient manner.
• Infectious diseases research experience is preferred. 

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to maintain good standing in USAMRIID’s BPRP.

Work Environment

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

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.