Postdoctoral Fellow - DCB

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who is responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will be in support of the Research, Assessment and Development (RAD) laboratory in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will be responsible for the development, validation, evaluation, and implementation of molecular assays and next generation sequencing for use in the detection and quantification of pathogens of US Military and National interest. The incumbent will be a part of a dynamic scientific team to develop and improve diagnostic assays exploring novel ideas and approaches to detect infectious agents. Adapt existing assays, improving performance, specificity/sensitivity and detection and quantification of pathogens of clinical and clinical research significance. The incumbent will be expected to apply molecular biology techniques, next generation sequencing techniques, scientific principles, and concepts to support clinical research initiatives and develop improved diagnostic assays. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment consisting of US Military, US Government, academic, and international collaborators.

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, develop, evaluate and implement molecular, serological, and sequencing diagnostic assays to include Real-Time, Digital Droplet PCR, next generation systems for detection and/or quantification of infectious pathogens in a variety of specimen matrices.
• Establish documentation for, e.g., Standard Operation Procedures, work instructions, etc... for laboratory developed and optimized assays at a highly documented level to transition the assays into a clinical setting.
• Assist in validation and verification performance of developed assays to meet regulatory compliance for testing of human biological specimens that are used to inform patient management or end point analyses for clinical research studies.
• Optimize nucleic acid extraction from various samples, amplification and detection procedures as required to achieve desired sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of assay performance.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, characterization and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Investigate diverse specimen matrices for screening/confirmation assays; investigate specimen preservation methods for sample integrity.
• Provides testing support to DCB collaborators as required.
• Coordinate implementation of new initiatives and research projects with senior leadership and technical staff within DCB.
• Assist with intramural and extramural applications for programmatic funding and grants proposals.
• Prepare written reports, abstracts for submission to scientific conferences, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications and participate in DCB and WRAIR meetings and seminars.
• Completes all WRAIR safety, HIPPA, CITI and other required training within specified time frames.
• Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology or related scientific discipline to include principles of development/execution of quantitative molecular assays and clinical applications.
• Minimum of 0-5 years' experience required. 2 years preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• (ASCP)CM or equivalent training required.
• Strong background in molecular biology, serology, tissue culture, handling of infectious agents, nucleic acid and protein extractions, purification, next generation sequencing and characterization.
• Use of relevant software for alignments, design of primers and DNA constructs.
• Use of relevant equipment to assess performance of assays and bridging studies to evaluate improvements.
• Excellent oral and communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently, and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• May require working evenings and weekends based on the needs of the laboratory
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Job performance requires ability to move around and between several laboratory areas located at 9100 Brookville Road, Building 503 and 508, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
• The individual must be able to work in a Biological Safety Cabinet for handling of infectious agents and performance of various assays and techniques.
• Fine motor coordination in manipulation of laboratory materials and attention to detail is essential.

Work Environment

• The incumbent will work within a BSL 2 laboratory with chemical and bio-hazardous materials including but not limited to, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Malaria, and Leishmaniasis.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$65,000. 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.