Scientist I

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I develop and conduct research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols.

This position will be in support of Operational Infectious Diseases at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego, California. Specifically, the incumbent will support REDI-NET, a highly collaborative research consortium aiming to detect, predict and contain emergent infectious disease through building and implementing a "data-to-decision" pipeline. This research addresses current surveillance gaps through developing and utilizing standardized field and laboratory SOPs combined with custom computing platforms that provide real-time domestic and international bio- and xeno-surveillance capabilities for improved global public health monitoring and force health protection. The incumbent will also participate or support the standing of the new OID Research and Development Laboratory at NHRC. This position is a part-time, 20 hours per week position for one year. Active Secret T3 clearance required.

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.

• Processes and interprets experimental data. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocols.
• Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications.
• Trains and supervises laboratory technicians, as needed.
• Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• 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.
• Works closely with NHRC team, establish and visits surveillance sites and conducts field sample collection for environmental and vector samples.
• Follows standard operating procedures and performs molecular biology-related experiments involving but not limited to total nucleic acid purification, cDNA conversion, sequencing library preparation, next generation sequencing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Doctorate Degree required preferably in molecular biology, entomology, or microbiology.
• Minimum of 2-5 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 and supervise others.
• Working experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore and/or Illumina systems; understanding and utilization of various bioinformatic approaches for high throughput sequencing data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Attention to details and good organization skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues related to molecular biology.
• Previous experience with high throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore and/or Illumina is highly desirable.
• Active T3 Secret Clearance required.

Physical Capabilities

• This position will use chemicals and potentially be exposed to infectious agents. Chemicals: ethanol and other chemicals included in nucleic acid extraction and sequencing library preparation. Infectious agents: 1) common infectious agents from environmental water and soil samples such as E. coli; 2) tick-borne pathogens such as rickettsial species since the position requires field collection of tick samples.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $35.48 - $38.47. Actual hourly pay 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. 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.