Computational Research Scientist I

Join the HJF Team!

We are seeking a Computational Research Scientist I to apply bioinformatics techniques to investigate host factors that are critical for responses to infectious diseases, including HIV-1, dengue and zika, in the context of natural infection, treatment, and vaccine studies. This position is to support the Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD. This position provides an opportunity to participate in research projects using single-cell multiomics technologies and complex computational analyses to address questions critical to military and world health. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. with postdoctoral experience, with management skills preferred.

The Laboratory of Integrative Multiomics, led by Dr. Rasmi Thomas, uses cutting-edge next-generation sequencing technologies to identify factors involved in host-pathogen interactions. We are at the forefront of developing these technologies for analysis of transcriptomes of single cells and detection of transcripts from intracellular pathogens. The group integrates transcriptomics with other 'omics' datasets, such as proteomics and epigenomics, to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, response to vaccination and therapeutics. (https://www.hivresearch.org/our-team/rasmi-thomas-phd).

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 non U.S. Citizens reside in the United States for three of the five recent years.

• Develops and guides the implementation of customized pipelines to efficiently analyze multiomics data.
• Trains and supervises junior scientists, bioinformatics analysts and students.
• Acts as a liaison with research partners.
• Applies for grants to support to novel lines of research.
• Prepares funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and patent applications.
• 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 in Computational Biology or Bioinformatics.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert level programming in languages such as R or Python, demonstrated with sample code.
• Experience working in a Linux computing environment.
• Supervisory management experience, team lead, or mentor experience.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize project time-lines when necessary.
• Experience analyzing high-dimensional biological datasets using the R statistical programming language.
• Knowledge of genomics, genetics or infectious disease is desired.
• Experience analyzing single-cell omics data is preferred.
• Postdoctoral Fellow experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $73,800 - $95,000. 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 positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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.

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.