Job Description

Research Assistant II (Small animal handling)

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.

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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our group. Must be able to interact and communicate effectively with team members and other investigators in the institute, perform specialized laboratory research using in vitro cells and in vivo animal models. Responsible for research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical, generate and summarize preliminary data to assist principal investigator in grant applications, presentations at scientific meetings and publication in peer reviewed journals.

This position will be in support of the Radiation Countermeasure Program at the Scientific Research Department at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute / Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD

Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years. 

Responsibilities:

• Performs laboratory research projects using animal models and mammalian cells including collection, analysis and organization of data. Makes detailed observations about experiments. 
• Provides data analysis and interpretation.
• Works with other technicians on animal experiments including track the animal clinical observations, motility, body weight and data record in the daily base.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories and logbooks.
• Establishes and maintains databases for research projects.
• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures.
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Must have demonstrated research expertise with cell and molecular biology techniques include DNA and RNA extraction and purification, molecular analysis of specific DNA, RNA and/or micro-RNA transcripts by quantitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
• Experience with Southern, Northern analysis; mammalian cell culture and clonogenicity assay; protein purification; antibody-based protein detection such as Western blotting, cytokine arrays, ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation.
• Experience in animal handling, injections, blood and tissue collections. 
• Knowledge of using public medical research database and programs. Maintain detailed documentation of research projects.

Physical Capabilities: 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Qualifications:

Work Environment:

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

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree. Scientific Discipline required. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

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.

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