Research Assistant I - Critical Care

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to work under the direct supervision of a Staff Scientist and or Laboratory Manager. The incumbent will provide technical laboratory support and assistance in direct support of the Department's surgical, molecular and cell biology research endeavors involving acute traumatic care. The incumbent's daily duties will include tasks that are accomplished in a general research laboratory work environment and in a surgical operating room setting. Assignments will be performed under close supervision with the intent of enhancing the incumbent's knowledge and skills in order to perform more difficult assignments with greater independence at the next higher performance level.

This position will be in support of the En Route & Critical Care Department (ECD), within the Operational Undersea Medicine Directorate (OUMD), located at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to OUMD.

ECD conducts translational research across the continuum of care from point of injury to transport and definitive treatment. Research focus is on the biological response to polytraumatic injuries and the development of improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and decision-support tools for combat related injuries. The department employs animal models of various combat relevant polytrauma injury models to include traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, soft tissue, intestinal and bone injury. Research efforts are aimed at characterizing potential adverse effects related to acute pre-hospital and prolonged field care and patient transport, and at identifying innovative treatment modalities. Additionally, wound infection and wound healing as common complications of polytraumatic injuries are investigated using cutting edge molecular, proteomic and artificial intelligence approaches.

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.

• Assists with research projects as directed. Makes intellectual contributions to current research activities and contributes to the design of experiments and new techniques.
• Collection of research samples, ensuring the integrity of specimens, collection and methodolgy. Analyze samples and interpret results into meaningful formats to ensure content is appropriately represented; maintain detailed records of experimental data and outcomes for analysis.
• Assist with laboratory pre-operative surgical setups and helps with surgical procedures involving small and large animals. Assists in animal handling and sedation procedures, preparation of instruments for surgery and assists investigator during experimental surgical and postoperative procedures. Assist with euthanasia and necropsies.
• Emergency/ critical and post-operative care procedures including wound management. Provide direct support for monitoring and recovery of anesthetized animals in accordance with established protocol and IACUC guidelines.
• Maintains well organized and detailed surgical records to include peri-operative and post-operative health records as required by animal protocols and IACUC.
• Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory records of techniques, procedures and results for incorporation into research papers. Assists the investigator in conducting literature searches and data analysis inclusion in formal presentations.
• Monitors inventory of laboratory and surgical supplies and order as needed. Assures laboratory and surgical suites are adequately stocked with reagents and supplies and prepares solutions/medications and test reagents for experiments.
• General lab duties and maintenance in accordance with the joint safety manual, standard operating procedures, and under direction of senior laboratory staff. To include inventories of chemicals and samples, safety records, and other general lab support duties as assigned. Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
• Present data at laboratory meetings, assist with manuscript drafting for publication and presentation at the discretion of the PI.
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
  
• 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 scientific related field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.
• Willing to consider HS Diploma with 6+ years of experience or Associate's Degree with 3+ years.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
  
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Animal handing experience with small and/or large animal models (mice/rats, swine, non-human primates [NHP], etc.).
• Displays ability to assist with all surgical procedures and perform some surgical procedures independently.
• Familiarity with routine blood testing, surgical monitoring, and radiographs.
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented/goal-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and prepare complete and concise reports.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions; good oral/written communication and analytical skills.
• Knowledgeable with IACUC procedures, AALAS inspections and animal trainings.
• AALAS Certifications are highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust Background Check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $18.25-$20.19. 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.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will 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.