Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow 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 Nugent Lab in the Pharmacology Department. The Nugent Lab investigates the neural circuit mechanisms underlying mood disorders using mouse models of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate to lead cutting-edge experiments, contribute intellectually to project design, and mentor junior lab members while maintaining high-level research standards. While prior neuroscience experience is advantageous, an eager, rigorous approach to research is paramount.

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.

• Advanced Research & Technique Execution: Design and perform complex behavioral assays, ex vivo slice electrophysiology, in vivo fiber photometry recordings, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, and advanced microscopy/imaging.
• Intellectual Contributions & Scientific Writing: Conduct thorough literature reviews, collaborate on experimental design, analyze complex datasets, and lead the writing of manuscripts, grant proposals, and scientific presentations for national/international conferences.
• Molecular Assays: Perform specialized bio-laboratory procedures, including biochemistry protocols, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNAscope.
• Lab Leadership & Operations: Share responsibility for laboratory maintenance, including inventory tracking, reagent acquisition, preventive equipment maintenance/calibration, protocol optimization, and quality control.
  

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical Skills: Experience with-or a strong aptitude to rapidly learn-slice electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics/chemogenetics, and stereotaxic surgery in rodents.
• Background: Prior neuroscience research experience is highly advantageous.
• Personal Attributes: Strong intellectual independence, excellent troubleshooting abilities, exceptional written/verbal communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
• 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.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$63,000. 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.