Research Assistant I - PAT-BTR

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment. This is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series.

This position will be in support of USU_PAT-BTR.

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 specialized research projects: Executes 3D microscopy projects using clarified tissue and assists with Xenium-based expression analysis to investigate the relationship between traumatic injury and neurodegeneration.
• Conducts advanced histology: Runs complex multiplex immunofluorescence protocols on clarified tissue and actively troubleshoots issues related to histology and tissue processing.
• Manages data collection: Collects and organizes research data, ensuring strict adherence to instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Maintains accurate records: Performs data entry in an accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Oversees laboratory maintenance: Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments and microscopic imaging results.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for the role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Background in Neuroscience; and understanding of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative disease processes is highly desirable.
• Experience with tissue clarification and 3D microscopy, alongside proficiency in Brightfield, multiplex immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopies.
• Demonstrable familiarity and hands-on experience with microscopic image analysis programs, specifically Imaris, Arivis, and ImageJ/Fiji.
• Strong skills in tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, and experience troubleshooting histological protocols.
• Willingness to assist with and learn highly multiplexed spatial transcriptomics (Xenium-based expression analysis).
• Solid knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Exceptional ability to follow detailed instructions and experimental protocols.
• Good communication and analytical skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 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 hourly range for this position is $19.33-$22.00. Actual hourly rate 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.