Research Assistant II - Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch

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 Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory (LDL)/Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB)]. The Henry M. Jackson Foundation is looking for a Research Assistant II to work with a growing team performing molecular testing in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory (LDL), in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will work to support LDL operations and assist in development and execution of new molecular/immunological assays in support of clinical and research operations for the detection, quantification and/or speciation of Leishmania, Plasmodium and other blood-borne pathogens. The contractor will work in a team environment to assure compliance with internal specifications and/or standards as well as all CAP/CLIA/DoD regulatory agency requirements.

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.

• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures
• Supports the clinical operations of LDL.
• Performs molecular biology techniques that include but are not limited to DNA/RNA extraction and real time PCR, Next Generation Sequencing.
• Performs histological tests to identify parasites in human and animal tissues.
• Prepares media for the parasite culture and reagents for the clinical/research assays.
• Performs immunology techniques that include but are not limited to ELISA and Luminex.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and reagents within CAP/CLIA/CLIP/GCLP regulations.
• Participate in project planning to include identifying goals, timelines, and resources for successful project completion. Ensures achievement of the project goals in a timely manner and within budget.
• Establishes and maintains a searchable databank containing salient characteristics of cryopreserved samples including location in the cryobank. Maintains LDL's freezerworks database and other inventories for the laboratory (e.g. equipment, supplies, etc.) as required by DCB SOPs.
• Assists in the preparation of data, as well as performs basic record keeping of protocols and results, and figure presentations.
• Drafts, reviews and revises SOPs for assays performed.
• Assists in the design, execution, documentation and validation of new nucleic acids extractions platforms and real-time PCR assays.
• Prepares quality control solutions, reagents, kits and specimens for analysis in clinical diagnostic assays.
• Maintains a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations
• Ensures the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent laboratory and technical skills.
• Experience with PCR and DNA extraction.
• Ability to work independently once trained.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Multi-tasking skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to maintain excellent records with a keen attention to detail.
• Previous experience working with emerging pathogens and molecular analyzers and experience working in a CAP/CLIA and/or FDA accredited laboratory are a plus.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 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 hourly pay range for this position is $20.99-$26.00. Actual hourly pay 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.