Postdoctoral Fellow (Molecular / Cellular Biology)

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who is responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team.

This position supports the Radiation Countermeasure and Radiation Combined Injury Programs within the Scientific Research Department at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) in the Uniformed Services University (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD. The mission of AFRRI is to defend the Nation from nuclear and radiological threats. Exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with the development of acute radiation-induced multi-organ injuries. Furthermore, radiation exposure coupled with other forms of trauma (radiation combined injury) accounts for approximately 65% of injuries resulting from a nuclear explosion and significantly increases morbidity and mortality compared to radiation injury alone. The mechanisms underlying radiation-mediated injury and radiation combined injury remain poorly understood, and only a few medical countermeasures are FDA-approved for treatment. The Radiation Countermeasure and Radiation Combined Injury Programs aim to investigate the mechanisms of radiation-induced injury and to develop countermeasures to protect against and/or mitigate the effects of radiation and combined radiation 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.

Note: This site requires that the incumbent has lived in the US for three out of the past five years.

• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
• Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments.
• Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
• 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

• Doctoral degree. Preference for PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology or related fields.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of molecular and cell biology and laboratory techniques;

• Good communication and analytical skills;

• Must have demonstrated research expertise including: DNA and RNA extraction and purification, molecular analysis of specific DNA, RNA and/or micro-RNA transcripts by quantitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), Southern, Northern analysis; mammalian cell culture and clonogenicity assay; protein purification; antibody-based protein detection such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining cytokine arrays, ELISA.

• Experience in animal handling, injections, blood and tissue collections;

  Pursuing research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development;

  Knowledge of using public medical research database and programs;

• Maintains detailed documentation of research projects;

• Maintains laboratory standard operating procedures and records of quality control in accordance with established requirements;

• Experience with data compilation and analysis using standard software programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel).

• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual range for this position is $60,000-$70,000. 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.

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.