Research Assistant I (Temporary, Part-Time) - CPDR

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Temporary, Part-Time Research Assistant I to carry out research projects in collaboration with a research team consisting of scientific and clinical investigators. Candidates should have interests in molecular biology and in identifying novel biomarkers in prostate cancer. Career building opportunities include development of scientific presentation, technical research skills, experimental design, and writing skills.

This position will be in support of the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) within the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) located at the Rockledge Offices in Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to the MCCRP and CPDR.

The Su laboratory (lab website) at the Center for Prostate Disease Research is seeking a highly motivated and talented Part-time researcher with strong interests in environmental exposure and DNA damage repair gene mutation research, to join a dynamic research team for the fall 2026 (from September 2026 to December 2026). Dr. Su has adjunct appointments and close collaborations with National Cancer Institute (NCI), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, The Uniformed Services University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The lab focuses on how genomic instability and tumor-specific aneuploidy influences prostate cancer development. Current lab projects focus on identifying novel aneuploidy-associated gene candidates in driving the proliferation and progression in cancers and elucidating relevant molecular mechanisms in the field of (but not limited to) DNA damage repair, genomic instability, cancer metabolism and cancer immunology. The work the part-time researcher will be supporting is under the larger mission of the PROject for Millitary Exposure and Toxin History Evaluation in US service members (PROMETHEUS). The overarching goal of these studies is to provide implications for novel therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.

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 is a six month temporary position scheduled for 20 hours per week.

• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.

• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner.

• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.

• 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 in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required; 1 year preferably in technical services.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Performs duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator including experimental design, ability to analyze data, and interpret results.
• Knowledge and experience with R and/or Python required.
• Background in computational biology, pharmaco-biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry is required.
• Experience with 3D protein structure and drug screening preferred.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and basic computational and bioinformatics knowledge.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, good communication, and analytical skills are required.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$22.50 per hour (no more than 20 hours per week). Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

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.