Postdoctoral Fellow - Astrocyte Signaling Study

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in support of the laboratory of Dr. Jeremy Smyth in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics (APG) at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD.

The successful candidate will investigate astrocyte calcium signaling mechanisms that underlie the development and persistence of chronic pain in a Drosophila model. This position is supported by NIH R01 funding. Experimental approaches will include Drosophila genetics and behavioral assays, in vivo calcium imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy, chemo- and optogenetics, neuropharmacology, and gene expression analysis including bulk and/or single-cell RNA sequencing. We seek an independent thinker who is eager to contribute to a vibrant, supportive laboratory community.

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 carry out laboratory experiments related to Drosophila neurobiology and chronic pain pathophysiology.
• Collect and analyze experimental data.
• Contribute to assay development and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records.
• Extensively read relevant scientific literature and synthesize new ideas and hypotheses based on experimental data and published results.
• Organize data into figures and author scientific manuscripts based on experimental results.
• Contribute to routine laboratory tasks, participate and present in regular lab meetings, and mentor new lab personnel as appropriate.
• Present findings at national or international scientific conferences.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of appropriate scientific areas and ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Knowledge of astrocyte physiology, pain and sensory neurobiology, and/or neurodevelopment.
• Experience with drosophila husbandry, genetics, behavioral assays and automated movement tracking.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy of live and fixed samples.
• Experience with drosophila central nervous system dissection and imaging preferred.
• Knowledge of calcium imaging and/or calcium signaling preferred.
• Knowledge of RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust Background Check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary/hourly pay range for this position is $52,800 - $75,000. Actual salary/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.

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.