Research Assistant II

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant II 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 problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment.

This position supports the Bio Instrumentation Center (BIC) at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. BIC supports advanced biomedical research instrumentation and services for the USUHS and is comprised of six scientific core facilities: genomics, flow cytometry, microscopic imaging, translational imaging, histopathology, and structural biology/proteomics. The incumbent serves as a geneticist in the BIC genomics core facility, providing genomics support to investigators, technical personnel, and students authorized to use BIC facilities. The incumbent directly interacts with investigators, technical personnel, and students, as well as technical sales and service agents. The work involves complex technical procedures that consist of unrelated steps and multiple processes.

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.

• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures. Provides superior products, services, and training to users of the genomics facility. Provides expertise in genomics, genetic analysis, and gene expression, to include DNA/RNA sample preparation and quality control, nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis, qPCR and other expression assays, and data analysis. Operates and maintains genomics facility instrumentation, to include independently calibrating instruments and selecting appropriate reagents and operation parameters to ensure reliable results.
• Performs laboratory research projects, including collection and organization of data, and maintaining databases. Makes detailed observations on experiments. Provides superior products, services, and training to users of the genomics facility. Provides expertise in genomics, genetic analysis, and gene expression, to include DNA/RNA sample preparation and quality control, nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis, qPCR and other expression assays, and data analysis. Operates and maintains genomics facility instrumentation, to include independently calibrating instruments and selecting appropriate reagents and operation parameters to ensure reliable results.
• Schedules instrument usage and bills for products, services, and training. Maintains laboratory supply inventories and monitors expenditures for purchases.
• Assists in the preparation of reports, publications, and presentations.
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks. May provide basic instruction to other lab staff. Assists users with the development of experimental protocols, aids in the preparation of data for publication, recommends corrective action for insufficient results, and maintains records of experimental data and results. Remains abreast of new developments in genomics, acquires familiarization with new instrumentation and technical advances, and attends courses and training sessions to acquire new skills and refine techniques.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and theories of molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemistry as would be acquired through a minimum of a bachelor's degree.
• Technical skills in laboratory techniques of molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemistry. Experience in research data acquisition and analysis. Experience in the operation of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, including DNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, and real time PCR instruments.
• Skill in the use of standard software programs (databases and spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation graphics) and sophisticated scientific software applications.
• Strong skills in clear, correct, and concise verbal and written communication. Ability to communicate scientific principles and technical requirements to users. Ability to skillfully resolve research and user problems.
• Knowledge of scheduling, billing, purchasing, and budgeting. Ability to schedule a wide range of user requirements to maximize productivity and minimize conflicts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, such as listening, negotiating, managing, and advising users. Skill in persuasion and motivation is required to facilitate smooth user interactions and communications.
• Knowledge of appropriate precautions for handling biological and chemical hazards to ensure their safe use and disposal.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods
• Operating machinery, and/or power tools

Work Environment

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

Compensation:

• The hourly pay range for this position is $20.99-$33.87. Actual salary 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.

Note: This work site requires that non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years.

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.