Research Associate - AFRL

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate to conduct independent research and development activities supporting pathogen-agnostic characterization of biological samples using advanced molecular, microbiological, and genomic techniques. Designs and executes experiments, analyzes complex datasets, develops innovative characterization methods, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to identify, assess, and characterize known and emerging biological threats in support of public health, biodefense, and scientific research objectives.

This position will be in support of Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) program. The CHEERS program is a Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). CHEERS is designed to provide a comprehensive strategy for AFRL and USAFSAM's range of Science and Technology (S&T) and Studies and Analysis (S&A), enabling progression from basic research through technology maturation and transition. The program focuses on human-centered research to:

• Enable, sustain, enhance, and restore the health, performance, and readiness of multi-domain Airman.
• Integrate biological and cognitive technologies to optimize and protect Airman capabilities in Fly, Fight, and Win across Air, Space, and Cyberspace.

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, execute, and optimize pathogen-agnostic characterization studies to identify and assess known, novel, and emerging biological agents.
• Conduct advanced molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and genomic characterization.
• Develop, validate, and improve laboratory methods for broad-spectrum pathogen detection, identification, and surveillance.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological, genomic, metagenomic, transcriptomic, and microbiological datasets.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians and data scientists to integrate laboratory findings with computational analyses.
• Prepare and review technical reports, study summaries, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and scientific publications.
• Lead or support research initiatives involving infectious disease surveillance, biodefense, public health preparedness, and emerging pathogen discovery.
• Plan and coordinate laboratory experiments to meet project milestones, deliverables, and sponsor requirements.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements.
  Train and mentor laboratory technicians, junior researchers, and new staff on laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
• Evaluate new technologies, platforms, and methodologies to enhance pathogen characterization capabilities.
• Perform statistical analysis and scientific interpretation of experimental results.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders, collaborators, customers, and scientific audiences.
• Manage sample workflows, quality control processes, and documentation within laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
  

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree
• Minimum of 3 years' experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Technical Skills:
  • Molecular biology and microbiology techniques.
  • NA/RNA extraction and purification.
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Metagenomic sequencing and analysis.
  • qPCR/RT-qPCR and digital PCR.
  • Assay development and validation.
  • Pac Bio, sequencers, automated sample prep (Oxford Voltrex).
• Experience performing laboratory testing in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment or ability to complete BSL 3 Training highly preferred.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $61,000-$79,300. 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.