Research Assistant II (Rickettsia Disease Surveillance)

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 Diagnostics and Surveillance Department (DSD), Defense Infectious Diseases Directorate (DIDD), Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), Silver Spring, Maryland. The incumbent will perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects including, but not limited to, developing diagnostic and surveillance assays for military relevant infectious diseases, conducting laboratory experiments and providing support for the vector-borne disease surveillance program. The incumbent provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment.

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.

Responsibilities:

• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Maintains but not limited to supplies, bio-safety standards/regulations, equipment/instrument maintenance in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments.
• 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.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, cell biology, or related field of study required. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques. Prior laboratory experience with vector-borne or other infectious diseases including techniques in bacteriology (i.e. cell culture, purification, inoculation, preparing media) and laboratory/research instruments (i.e.light microscope, centrifuge, incubator).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Experience maintaining laboratory supplies required. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check. 

Physical Capabilities:

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment:

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

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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.

HJF is a 501(c)(3) 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.