Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in support of the Symes Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD (https://medschool.usuhs.edu/profile/aviva-symes-phd). The incumbent will participate in Department of Defense funded projects, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of blast injury on IPSC derived 3D-brain like cultures and on mouse brains. Using imaging, biochemical, genetic and epigenetic techniques, the project seeks to understand and identify novel pathways and potential biomarkers for blast injury to the brain. Investigation will include the study of metabolic and mitochondrial responses to blast, inflammatory and autophagy changes, and alterations in neuronal microtubule structure and function. The broad interests of the laboratory are the study of neuroinflammatory signaling after different forms of traumatic brain injury and the development of therapeutics and biomarkers to improve recovery.

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.

• Conducts experiments in human 2D and 3D tissue culture using cutting edge techniques for molecular pathway analyses of cellular responses to injury.
• Performs highly skilled and specialized laboratory research utilizing and designing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as confocal microscopy, mitochondrial isolation, analysis of RNA and protein expression, and isolation of cells from mouse brain.
• Formulates experimental hypotheses, designs, and executes experimental protocols.
• Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Analyzes and interprets experimental data, including statistical analyses.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with tissue culture (an advantage if has worked with iPSCs),
• Significant experience with a variety of biochemical and molecular biology techniques
• Experience with microscopy (knowledge of confocal microscopy very advantageous)
• Highly motivated to perform cutting edge, independent research.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust Clearance.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,100-$59,000. 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 HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation 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.