Sr. Research Assistant

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Senior Research Assistant to perform and oversee research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff. Solves highly complex problems in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment.

This position will be in support of Department of Pathology, DoD/BTR and Neuropathology Program, Experimental Neuropathology laboratory. The mission is to better understand the effects of traumatic brain injury and related neurodegenerative conditions and promote overall brain health of the Warfighter. Using the best science, we support service members and their families to help care for military personnel after a head injury.

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.

• Performs laboratory research projects including collection and organization of data. Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures. Oversees and ensures the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• Makes detailed observations about experiment. Provides quality control, trouble shooting (Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative and digital-PCR, microscopy and confocal microscopy, laser capturing microdissection, others) and the maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment.
• Conducts critical review of procedures, determining where issues occurred and formulating plans to correct problems as they arise.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Provides basic data analysis and interpretation. Assists in the preparation of manuscripts and data for presentations at scientific meetings and publication in journals.
• Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories, and logbooks. Performs data entry for research projects and may maintain data and database(s).
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks. Trains and assists lower-level laboratory 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 9-10 years of experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, especially molecular biology techniques and ability to quickly acquire new skills and bench methodologies.
• Ability to follow basic instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy across of different species, especially large animals such as swine and NHP.
• Histology techniques (frozen and fixed tissues), embedding, microdissection, mounting and staining (including neurohistology specific stains).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background clearance.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand at a lab bench or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary/hourly pay range for this position is $57,650-$80,000. 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.

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

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