Research Assistant I - Neurotherapeutics

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I - Neurotherapeutics to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment.

This position is with the neurotherapeutics research team led by Dr. Regina C. Armstrong within the School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. This hand-on research uses multiple approaches to advance treatments for recovery and repair of white matter injury using experimental models and clinical specimens of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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.

• Participate in a range of in vivo and in vitro laboratory procedures.
• Assist with/or perform surgical, behavioral, and other experimental procedures in pre-clinical models.
• Perform real-time data acquisition using available technologies. The incumbent should be comfortable with operating and maintaining data acquisition programs.
• Assist with/or perform laboratory procedures including biospecimen tissue collection and preparation for neuropathology, including immunohistochemistry and histology.
• Assist with/or perform laboratory techniques for analysis of blood and tissue specimens for protein and gene expression.
• Assist with maintaining databases and inventory logs.
• Perform data entry for research projects ensuring that data is entered for analysis in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assist with data analysis and presentation.
• Assist with preparation of standard operating procedures, maintenance of laboratory records, and general upkeep of lab spaces.
• Assist with compliance for applicable regulatory practices and procedures.
• Laboratory management responsibilities include routine maintenance of laboratory equipment; managing scheduling of commonly used spaces/equipment; and compliance with departmental and institutional policies. Must be capable of handling multiple projects.
• 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 Biology, Neuroscience, or a relevant scientific field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The incumbent should have a general working knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• The incumbent should be comfortable with handling animals and working in an animal laboratory environment.
• Excellent time management and self-motivation.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and is expected to have a working knowledge of statistical analysis and image analysis programs.
• Must be able to work in a team and independently.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

• This position will take place in a laboratory environment; may involve working with biohazards and may require occasional weekend and evening work.
• For application of specialized programs, the incumbent will be provided required training.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$25.89. Actual 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.