Molecular Biology Lead Technician

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Molecular Biology Lead Technician to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. The Contractor shall provide laboratory support for research efforts within the Center for Genome Sciences in the Molecular Biology Division. The Contractor shall conduct basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the biodefense and infectious disease program. The Contractor shall aid in the execution of scientific studies including extraction of nucleic acids from different biological matrices, quantification and quality of RNA and DNA, PCR amplification, sequencing library preparation and quantification, high-throughput screening assays and/or high-throughput sequencing on infectious agents. The Contractor shall support the processing of tissues from animals, data analysis and maintaining laboratory areas and equipment. The Contractor shall provide supervisory support to junior contract personnel, train new personnel, and perform routine laboratory safety inspections for assigned areas.

This position will be in support of United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. USAMRIID works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

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.

• The Contractor shall work on automation equipment that can handle and process high numbers of samples such as Hamilton STAR and King Fisher liquid handlers. Perform purification of nucleic acids from inactivated viral cultures, animal tissues and human subject blood. Assist with design and performing nucleic acid-based assays for tissue culture and/or animal tissue samples.
• The Contractor shall perform research in next generation sequencing (NGS) including Illumina (iSeq, MiniSeq, MiSeq, NextSeq 2000 and NovaSeq 6000), and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (MinION and GridION). Shall also perform nucleic acid extraction, bioanalysis, and quantitation, conventional PCR and qPCR, manual and automated library preparation including RNAseq and DNAseq, and DNA size selection and fractionation including SAGE ELF and Blue Pippin. Additionally, shall perform molecular biology work including cloning, primer design, Gibson Assembly, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, site directed mutagenesis, in vitro transcription, and reverse transcription.
• The Contractor shall operate and analyze data collected on Western Blot equipment such as Protein Simple WES, DNA fragmentation using Covaris systems, Real-Time PCR Detection System such as BioRad CFX, and quantification and QC of RNA and DNA using NanoDrop 8000, Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer, and Agilent 2200 and 4200 TapeStation systems. Shall maintain mammalian cell cultures including primary and secondary cell lines and cell line cultures in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 as required.
• The Contractor shall evaluate the effects of pathogen infection on the host (animal models or in vitro cultures) analyzing gene expression using RNAseq protocols (bulk, targeted, single cell or spatial) to identify deregulated signaling pathways that can lead to novel treatment strategies for infectious diseases. Shall also evaluate the pathogen by population genomics and whole genome sequencing.
• The Contractor shall support animal studies when required by assisting the study personnel to collect and process animal specimens. Analysis may include immunological procedures including Enzyme Linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot, Flow Cytometry and RNA/DNA sequencing assays.
• The Contractor shall train new employees, ensure SOPs are followed, record deviations, and observe safety procedures.
• The Contractor shall assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. Contractor shall present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
• The Contractor shall write and review standard operating procedures (SOPs), capture forms, and all supporting documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Well-Documented (WD) study regulations as required.
• The Contractor shall be responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies. Shall inventory supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources. Shall ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance.
• Contractor shall communicate to the PI or assigned TPOC experimental data, laboratory, or other work-related issues. Contractor shall communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Contractor shall maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations. Contractor shall assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, specimen and reagent inventories, as well as keep an organized, safe and professional work environment
• Contractor shall participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning to include periodically decontaminating the main laboratory areas, benches and biosafety cabinets to reduce possible sources of contamination. Contractor shall appropriately dispose of waste and packaging material.
• Contractor shall serve as a lab manager, responsible for weekly and monthly cleaning and maintenance of the area assigned as required. This includes testing of emergency showers, eye washes and flushing of laboratory drains. The Contractor shall participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance.
• Contractor shall maintain laboratory records, document sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet current CGS and Institutional requirements and ensure continuity and collective sharing of resources.
• Contractor shall ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods shall be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washes and drainage systems shall be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. The contractor shall participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance. Contact commercial company and/or USAMRIID medical Maintenance, Clinical Engineering (CEB) when an instrument is malfunctioning or needs periodical PM, and escort engineers during the scheduled visit at USAMRIID.
• Contractor may be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas within the Molecular Biology Division as needed.
• Contractor may be required to present work, attend meetings and training, and in collaboration with the government, engage with partners to support the biosurveillance and training missions which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel approximately 1-2 times per year.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.

Education and Experience

• Master of Science degree and/or a minimum of 6 years of relevant expertise in Genomics

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance and BRPR, CPRP, and/or CSPRP, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Maintain sufficient health to meet enrollment criteria and maintain eligibility in USAMRIID's Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP), Chemical Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP) and/or Controlled Substances Personnel Reliability Program (CSPRP).
• Current on routine adult immunizations or proof of active immunity against HBV, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, Tdap. Employees working directly with patients or research participants must receive a negative TB test.
• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650 - $93,100. 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.

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.