Research Associate III

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate III to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. Exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Provide training and guidance for lower level Research Associates and laboratory staff.

This position will be in support of the Brain Tissue Repository (BTR) of the Uniformed Services University's Department of Pathology located in Bethesda, MD. The BTR was established by the Department of Defense to advance traumatic brain injury research. The BTR's mission is to better understand the effects of traumatic brain injury and promote overall brain health of the Warfighter. Using the best science, we support our service members and their families to help care for our military personnel after a head injury.

Our research focuses on understanding the progression of neurotrauma-related pathologies, particularly those impacting military personnel. Neurotrauma, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), can spread and disrupt cellular function across brain regions, leading to long-term neurological damage. By utilizing structural biology and spatial transcriptomics, we investigate how cellular systems fail at different stages of neurotrauma. Our primary objective is to map the sequence of cellular dysfunction that contributes to neurodegeneration following traumatic injuries.

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.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex data analysis and interpretation, specifically on Xenium and Chromium systems, and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Develops methods and procedures for experiments and investigations.
• Writes and assists with experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Analyzes and prepares reagent and/or assay product documentation. Organizes and procures needed reagents, performs experiments, analyzes data, and documents results.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Mentors, reviews, and supervises junior laboratory staff in the planning, execution, and analysis of experiments.
• 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

• Master's Degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of extremely complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Understanding of single cell genomics.
• Experience with advanced microscopy and immunohistochemical staining.
• Familiarity with digital pathology and clinical research digitization.
• Familiarity with MBF Neurolucida, Amaris, and Arivis.
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

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

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $64,200-$75,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final salary will be determined based on market analysis, experience, and education.

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 some unique wellness perks 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.