Postdoctoral Fellow - Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a dynamic and experienced Postdoctoral Fellow to lead the development and/or evaluation, validation, and implementation of U.S. FDA approved/cleared platforms/assays, laboratory developed tests, and next generation methodologies for detection of infectious pathogens of US Military and National interest.

The position is within the Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory (LDL), Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will be expected to apply a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to support clinical laboratory service delivery and clinical research initiatives focused on diagnostic, therapeutic, cure and or vaccine research for prevalent and emerging pathogens. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment and teams encompassing US Military, US Government Agencies, Foreign Militaries, Non-Profit Organizations, Academia, and International Scientific collaborators.

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.

• Participate in designing new protocols, including analysis of scientific literature and protocols, testing new reagents and assays to develop and validate a suite of advanced molecular methods to provide comprehensive pathogen detection and genome sequencing capability.
• Design, develop, evaluate and implement serological and molecular diagnostic assays to include ELISA, Real-Time PCR, next generation sequencing for detection and/or quantification of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis (or other pathogens of military interest) in a variety of specimen matrices.
• Lead the verification and validation laboratory of developed or cleared assays used to inform patient management or end point analyses for clinical research studies.
• Develop Standard Operation Procedures, work instructions for laboratory developed and cleared assays.
• Prepare written reports, abstracts for submission to scientific conferences, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Coordinate implementation of new initiatives and research projects with senior leadership and technical staff within LDL.
• Maintains compliance to CAP regulations.
• Assist with intramural and extramural applications for programmatic funding and grants proposals.
• Participate in DCB and WRAIR meetings and seminars.
• Maintains a safe work environment.
• Completes all Master control, WRAIR safety, HIPPA, CITI and other required training within specified time frames.
• Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
• 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

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology or related scientific discipline to include principles of development/execution of molecular and serological assays for clinical applications.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Laboratory experience (wet bench) in tissue culture, handling of infectious agents, molecular biology and serology techniques, expertise in developing, and validating molecular and serological assays used in clinical and clinical research laboratories.
• Troubleshoot technical procedures, prepare and execute verification/validation studies, summarize results, and train and supervise technical staff.
• Excellent communication skills including preparation of research plans and proposals, technical reports, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to present scientific findings as shown by first author publications and oral presentations at scientific meetings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust Background Check.

Physical Capabilities

• Job performance requires ability to move around and between several laboratory areas located at 9100 Brookville Road, building 503 and 508, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
• The individual must be able to work in a Biological Safety Cabinet for handling of infectious agents and performance of various assays and techniques.
• Fine motor coordination in manipulation of laboratory materials and attention to detail is essential.
• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 50 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 $52,800-$65,000. 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(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.