Scientist (Molecular Biology) Jobs

Join the HJF Team!

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. This position will be in support of Combat Wounds Infections Division (CWID) at the Operationally Relevant Infections Department (ORI), of the Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD.

HJF is seeking a Scientist (Molecular Biology) to perform independent research including projects relating to the research and development of antimicrobial products (e.g., biologics, small molecules, bacteriophages, dressing, irrigation solutions) to prevent and/or treat wound infections and associated complications. Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and associated troubleshooting. Serve as subject-manner expert and as advisor member of a multi-disciplinary team of microbiologists, molecular biologists, immunologists and clinical researchers focused on the development of antimicrobials against bacteria wound pathogens in preclinical, military-relevant infection models and conduct research projects. Hands-on experience with multiple wound pathogens, e.g., S. aureus, A baumannii, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, using disease-relevant in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo settings is required . Experience in microbiology (microbiology, planktonic and biofilm growth, in vitro evaluation of product efficacy) is required. Experience in bacteria genetics and molecular biology is required. Experience in establishing and maintaining cell and tissue cultures is also critical.

Responsibilities

• Develop and submit extramural funding proposals in support of mission requirements.
• Complete other projects as needed.
• Design genetic constructs including but not limited to plasmids for the expression and purification of recombinant bacterial proteins from different wound infection pathogens (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and other ESKAPEE as needed.
• Prepare funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Train and supervise technical staff (1 or 2 technician(s))
• Maintain a safe work environment with appropriate training of other personnel.
• Process and interpret experimental data. Present data in technical reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Coordinate with other technical and professional staff, contribute to strategic planning of research agenda, and foster intramural and external collaborations that are responsive to program and mission requirements.
• Develop and maintain assays for eukaryotic cell line and tissue cultures.
• Assist with bacterial genetics and molecular biology aspects of different projects.
• Design different constructs for the expression of the bacteriophage endolysins and other peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes including, but not limited to plasmids, mRNA platforms.
• Conduct in vitro evaluation of antimicrobials including but not limited to MIC, time kill assays. Will test promising antimicrobials on multiple clinically relevant strains to assess broad range.
• Develop necessary new technologies and protocols that will involve specialized procedures including but not limited to DNA cloning and sequencing, protein expression and purification (small scale), mRNA expression platform. Instruct laboratory personnel on the application of these technologies and protocols.
• Provide collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent’s expertise.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Hands-on experience with eukaryotic cell biology and animal experimentation is required.
• Strong background in microbiology, bacterial molecular biology/genetics.
• Must be an effective oral and written communicator.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, troubleshoot and present/publish complex, multifactorial research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and supervise others.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: Supervise technical support staff. Oversee maintenance of major equipment for analytic systms, and train peronnel on their use and maintenance.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Qualifications

Work Environment

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

Education And Experience

• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.
• Doctorate Degree required.

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.