HJF is seeking a Research Associate to support the En Route & Critical Care Department located at Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, MD

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate to support the En Route & Critical Care Department located at Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to En Route & Critical Care Department.

The Research Associate will study basic mechanisms of cell and tissue damage as observed in militarily relevant polytrauma animal models. This is a challenging opportunity with an exciting research program focused on the physiology, histopathology, immunology, cellular and molecular biology aspects of organ damage, definition of possible biomarkers of injury, as well as targets for potential protection or pharmaceutical therapy after injury.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development, and investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
2. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as proteomic and immuno profiling (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, FACS/Flow Cytometry, Luminex, MSD and tissue culture) and genomic profiling (DNA/RNA isolation, quantitative RT-PCR or Northern) and analysis of tissues or blood (CBC, Chemistry), basic animal handling skills including injections and monitoring, and data collection and processing.
3. Collects, organizes, performs routine data analysis, and verifies and corrects data entry. Maintains clear and accurate inventories and logbooks, and collects detailed observations about experiments.  Performs data entry for research projects and maintains databases.
4. Assists with the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocol; assists with the analysis and preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
5. Supports principal investigators in scheduling experiments and operation and maintenance of equipment.
6. Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety, disposal of infectious/hazardous materials and other procedures; maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas; assists with quality control, troubleshooting and the maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment.
7. Performs basic microscopy, micro-CT-Scan/imaging and image analysis.
8. Assists with training laboratory staff as needed.
9. Maintains supplies in the laboratory.
10. May provide guidance to other laboratory staff.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures; previous experience with molecular biology and histopathology is preferred; ability to meet deadlines of projects; excellent written and oral communication and analytical skills.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements:  Master’s degree in scientific discipline.

Minimum Experience:  0 to 2 years of directly related research experience.

Physical Capabilities:  Long periods of standing and sitting; intricate work with hands; carrying of light and moderately heavy laboratory equipment; handling of various chemicals.

Work Environment:  Laboratory environment; may involve working with biohazardous materials; may require working evenings and weekends.

Background/Security: U.S. citizenship required; eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier III Investigation/ Secret Clearance and Common Access Card (CAC).

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, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.  

HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.