Senior Scientist - Neurology - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Sr. Scientist who will serve as the Project Leader. The Senior Scientist will serve as the HJF day-to-day project manager for the proposed studies and perform many of the key experiments. Required laboratory skills include molecular biology, protein engineering, protein chemistry, protein purification, nanobody characterization, mouse tissue handling, immunohistochemistry, data analysis, laboratory organization, laboratory safety management, animal protocol management, formal project management, and scientific communication. Training is available for additional skills including mouse experimental traumatic brain injury, radiation safety, PET image analyses, and radiological-pathological correlation analyses. 

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 Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda Maryland in the laboratory of Dr. David Brody, MD PhD https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/david-brody-md-phd 

The project is entitled “Anti-TfR Nanobody-based Molecular Contrast Imaging Agents for Detection of TBI-related Neurodegenerative and Neuroinflammatory Pathologies”

The project is funded for 4 years by the Uniformed Services University with a period of performance from 1 OCT 2024- 30 SEPT 2028.

Project Rationale: There is currently no way to specifically detect many neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathologies related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in living humans. This major gap limits our ability to make objective diagnoses, provide accurate prognoses, and develop effective therapeutics. If successful, this project will lead to a new generation of nanobody-based brain PET imaging contrast agents for detection of a wide variety of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathologies related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in living mice. This will provide a critical proof-of-concept for subsequent human studies.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the planning, execution, and oversight of research projects.
• Trains and supervises technical and scientific staff.
• Oversees laboratory safety compliance.
• Supervises PET scans performed at the USU small animal PET facility.
• Follows appropriate radiation safety guidance.
• Plays a lead role in animal protocol management
• Designs and implements experimental protocol.
• Coordinates and prepares new grant and funding applications.
• Makes major contributions to scientific literature and conferences.
• Prepares publication-ready manuscripts and presentation-ready slide decks.
• Finalizes reports and reviews for submission to scientific journals and patent applications.
• Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Collects, processes, and interprets experimental data.
• Serves as in-house and outside consultant.
• 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.
• May include budgetary responsibility to include plan/forecast, prepare, approve, monitor.
• Demonstrates detailed knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree
• 10+ years experience in laboratory settings

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable highly complex scientific procedures and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Experience in the following areas: Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, Protein Chemistry and Protein Purification
• Experience with the following skills and techniques: ELISA, Mouse tissue handling, Immunohistochemistry
• Project management

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct Supervisor: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Site Security Requirement:

• The ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust with CAC

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.
• Operating scientific equipment
• Travel to 1-2 scientific meetings each year is possible but not required.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $120,600-$129,000. 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 positions or sites may require that the incumbent 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.