Associate Scientist

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Associate Scientist that will be responsible for developing and supervising research projects and investigating the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Specifically, the Associate Scientist will perform independent research including projects relating to the research and development of antimicrobial products (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, 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 adviser 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 with monoclonal antibody therapies and molecular biology is also critical. Experience in establishing and maintaining cell and tissue cultures is also a plus.

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

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.

• Design and optimize monoclonal antibodies for use in therapeutic application against bacterial pathogens such as aureus.
• Collaborate with pre-clinical research teams to administer monoclonal antibodies in experimental models and assays.
• Perform characterization and validation using techniques such as ELISA and western blotting.
• Design genetic constructs including but not limited to plasmids for the expression and purification of recombinant bacterial proteins from different wound infection pathogens ( aureus, P. aeruginosa and other ESKAPEE as needed).
• Design different constructs for the expression of the bacteriophage endolysins and other peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes including, but not limited to plasmids, mRNA platforms.
• Develop and maintain assays for eukaryotic cell line and tissue cultures.
• 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.
• Assist with bacterial genetics and molecular biology aspects of different projects.
• 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.
• Process and interpret experimental data. Present data in technical reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Prepare and submit IACUC protocol applications, including detailed descriptions of animal use, procedures, and justifications.
• Train and supervise technical staff (1 or 2 technician(s))
• 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.
• Prepare funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Develop and submit extramural funding proposals in support of mission requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment with appropriate training of other personnel.
• Provide collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
• Complete other projects as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Education and Experience

• PhD in a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong background in microbiology, bacterial molecular biology/genetics.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, troubleshoot and present/publish complex, multi-factorial research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Must be an effective oral and written communicator.
• Hands-on experience with eukaryotic cell biology and animal experimentation is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

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

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting and is on-site at the Naval Medical Research Command.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$80,000. 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.

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.