Associate Scientist - Neurotrauma Department

HJF is seeking an Associate Scientist that will be responsible for developing and conducting scientific research projects and investigating the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems; and participating in research award management.

This position will be in support of the Neurotrauma Department (NTD), within the Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate (OUMD), located at the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. NTD conducts research to develop novel strategies to prevent and treat traumatic brain injury with particular attention given to developing early, far forward interventions for traumatic brain injury alone or in combination with other injuries. The department is focused on blast-related injuries and conducts both animal and human studies of brain injury to assess neurocognitive, neuropsychological, and biomarker changes. Research efforts include studying blast biophysics, identifying the biological responses to blast exposure, and assessing the efficacy of promising therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat pathological changes associated with blast exposure.

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.

• Formulates experimental hypotheses and prepares research proposals for funding applications.
• Participates in preparation of various aspects of grant applications including scientific and administrative components, and submission of the full application package.
• Assists with management of funded grants including interactions with sponsors/science officers, tracking research progress in alignment with the approved statement of work.
• Performs small and large animal experiments including animal handling, aesthesia induction, surgical techniques, delivery of injury, cognitive and behavioral tests, biospecimen collection.
• Collaborates and co-ordinates animal experiments with on-site veterinary service providers.
• Conducts laboratory research utilizing a variety of laboratory techniques in neuroscience and cellular/molecular biology. Specifically, common lab techniques will involve Western blotting, ELISA, PCR, extracellular vesicle extraction and characterization, immunohistochemistry, and other assays as needed.
• Maintains detailed records of experiments.
• Prepares data and manuscripts for scientific presentations or journal publications.
• Assists with technical writing including reports, animal use protocols, and grants.
• Assists with training junior staff as needed.
• Maintains laboratory areas and workspaces in compliance with Safety regulations.
• Monitors and supports daily activities of research assistants assigned to the projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• PhD in a related scientific discipline required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience preparing experimental research proposals and conducting laboratory research.
• 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 annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$90,000. 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.