Scientist I - Dr. Rivas

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I that will be responsible for developing and supervising research projects and investigating the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems.

This position is in support of Combat Wounds Infection Division at the Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD. The Scientist I performs independent research including projects relating to the research and development of antimicrobial products (e.g., biologics, small molecules, bacteriophages, dressing, irrigation solutions) to prevent and/or treat wound infections and associated complications. The Scientist I will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and associated troubleshooting. Serve as subject-manner expert and as advisor member of a multi-disciplinary team of microbiologists, molecular biologists, immunologists and clinical researchers focused on the development of antimicrobials against bacteria wound pathogens in preclinical, military-relevant infection models and conduct research projects.

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 genetic constructs including but not limited to plasmids for the expression and purification of recombinant bacterial proteins from different wound infection pathogens (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and other ESKAPEE as needed.
• Design different constructs for the expression of the bacteriophage endolysins and other peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes including, but not limited to plasmids, mRNA platforms.
• Develop and maintain assays for eukaryotic cell line and tissue cultures.
• Conduct in vitro evaluation of antimicrobials including but not limited to MIC, time kill assays. Will test promising antimicrobials on multiple clinically relevant strains to assess broad range.
• Assist with bacterial genetics and molecular biology aspects of different projects.
• Develop necessary new technologies and protocols that will involve specialized procedures including but not limited to DNA cloning and sequencing, protein expression and purification (small scale), mRNA expression platform. Instruct laboratory personnel on the application of these technologies and protocols.
• Provide support to in vivo evaluation of antimicrobials, as needed.
• Process and interpret experimental data. Present data in technical reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Train and supervise of technical staff (1 - 3 technician(s))
• Coordinate with other technical and professional staff, contribute to strategic planning of research agenda, and foster intramural and external collaborations that are responsive to program and mission requirements.
• Prepare funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications.
• Develop and submit extramural funding proposals in support of mission requirements
• Train and supervise laboratory technical staff
• Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Doctorate Degree in a science related field required.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.

• Ability to work independently and supervise others.

• Hands-on experience with multiple wound pathogens, e.g., S. aureus, A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, using disease-relevant in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo settings is required.

• Experience in microbiology (microbiology, planktonic and biofilm growth, in vitro evaluation of product efficacy) is required.

• Experience in bacteria genetics and molecular biology is required.

• Experience in establishing and maintaining cell and tissue cultures is also critical.

• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $77,600-$89,000. 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.