Research Associate II - CWID

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

This position will be in support of Naval Medical Research Center's Combat Wound Infections Division (CWID). The primary mission of the CWID is to develop and evaluate novel and alternative treatment and prevention strategies for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) associated with multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs), which have increasingly afflicted U.S. military members wounded in combat. As a natural extension of its initial work, CWID also conducts research into prevention and early treatment of sepsis resulting from SSTI-associated MDROs.

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.

• Performs molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, qPCR, CRISPR-based methods) to support ongoing research programs.
• Assist cross-functional projects by executing in vivo studies in animal models, including dosing, monitoring, sample collection, and necropsy, under IACUC-approved protocols.
• Supports bacteriophage-related research by propagating, purifying, and characterizing phage preparations, including host-range determination and resistance testing.
• Handles and processes BSL-2 pathogens with strict adherence to biosafety and biosecurity requirements.
• Contributes to experimental design and optimization, providing technical input to improve workflows and troubleshoot protocols.
• Maintains accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records suitable for regulatory and publication purposes.
• May be asked to provide training, mentorship, and oversight to junior research associates, interns, or visiting scientists, reinforcing safety and technical proficiency.
• Collaborate across disciplines and teams to integrate findings and achieve project goals.
• Prepares data summaries, figures, and written reports for internal presentations, grant submissions, and potential publications.
• Ensures laboratory readiness for inspections by maintaining compliance with biosafety, chemical hygiene, and animal care regulations.
• 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

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

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• 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 annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$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.

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.