Senior Therapeutics Discovery Technician

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Senior Therapeutics Discovery Technician to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. The Contractor shall provide senior laboratory support for research efforts of the MBD. Support shall be required in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 environments. Contractor shall provide support in the planning and conduct of basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the BD and infectious disease program. The Contractor shall aid in the execution of scientific studies, basic cell culture, PCR, high-throughput screening assays and/or high-throughput sequencing on infectious agents. Some other assays, such as animal procedures, collection/data analyzing, and maintaining laboratory and laboratory equipment may be required.

This position will be in support of United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. USAMRIID works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

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.

• The Contractor shall assist in the planning, development, execution and evaluation of high-throughput screening projects for the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas and assist in the development of novel assays/methods for various programs. This includes basic cell culture to support these efforts. Shall assist in screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support MCM development.
• The Contractor shall perform both in vitro and in vivo microbiological experiments designed to evaluate therapeutic compounds for antibacterial/antiviral/antitoxin activity. In vitro assays include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and plaque assays. Shall perform standard molecular biology techniques to support development of these assays.
• The Contractor shall support mouse studies when required. Shall assist with inoculations of animals, collecting specimens for processing, and analysis of those specimens. Analysis may include development and conduct of immunological procedures including Enzyme Linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot, and Mesoscale Discovery based assays.
• The Contractor shall assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. The Contractor may be expected to present research findings at 1-2 scientific conference per year as needed and CONUS travel may be required. Contractor shall present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
• The Contractor shall be responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Shall assess supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources. Shall ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance.
• The Contractor shall perform operations and training in animal manipulations. Contractor shall support animal studies (mouse, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.) for funded projects. Contractor shall be experienced with handling both bacterial and viral pathogens for in vitro and in vivo studies with preferred experience in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 biocontainment labs.
• Contractor shall provide the TPOC a Research Technical Report NLT the last day of each month.
• Contractor shall communicate to the Lead/PI or assigned TPOC as applicable, unexpected experimental data/results and assist in the troubleshooting or root cause analysis. Contractor shall communicate to the TPOC any laboratory or other work-related issues. Contractor shall communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Contractor shall maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations. Contractor shall coordinate ordering of supplies with division staff. Contractor shall assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians as needed.
• Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods shall be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washers and drainage systems shall be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. Contractor shall participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance.
• Maintain laboratory records documenting sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet current CGS and Institutional requirements and ensure continuity and collective sharing of resources. Contractor shall assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, specimens and reagents inventories, as well as keeping an organized, safe and professional work environment.
• Contractor may be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas within the MBD as needed.
• Contractor shall present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings.
• CS-PRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 7 years' related experience or Master's Degree with a 3 years' related experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance and BRPR, CPRP, and/or CSPRP, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Maintain sufficient health to meet enrollment criteria and maintain eligibility in USAMRIID's Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP), Chemical Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP) and/or Controlled Substances Personnel Reliability Program (CSPRP).
• Current on routine adult immunizations or proof of active immunity against HBV, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, Tdap. Employees working directly with patients or research participants must receive a negative TB test.
• 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 range for this position is $57,650 - $93,100. 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.