Research Assistant I - Flow Cytometry Core

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. 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 is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series.

This position will be in support of the US Military HIV Research Program. The position will be in the Flow Cytometry Core. The Flow Cytometry Core supports the HIV vaccine effort and basic immunologic research conducted at MHRP. This core contains state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure and qualified expertise in flow cytometry. The Flow Core supports critical endpoint and research-based cellular assays to assess immunogenicity for basic research, pre-clinical and clinical trials as well as immune characterization of natural HIV-1 infection in cohort studies conducted within the MHRP, including international sites. The Flow core also supports Ebola, ZIKA, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and other vaccine trials and natural history cohorts. The team provides technical assistance as well as consulting through all phases of flow cytometry experimentation. The group provides flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting for researchers across MHRP, the WRAIR, and external collaborators. The program is currently striving to build upon immunomonitoring studies and develop discovery-based platforms for understanding vaccine-induced immune responses and their potential role in protection from disease. Examining cellular immune functions that are associated with more favorable disease outcomes will better inform vaccine evaluation.

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.

• Responsible for daily set up, evaluation, troubleshooting and maintenance of cytometers. Liaise with senior technical staff and manufacturer to ensure the optimal performance of all instrumentation including the coordination of preventative and corrective maintenance as required.
• Performs laboratory assays, including collection and organization of data. Makes detailed observations about experiments. Provides basic data output analysis and interpretation, as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains reagent and consumable supplies needed to conduct laboratory operations. Facilitate the necessary administrative and logistic processes to order and receive materials. Ensures general lab needs are completed following GLP standards.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records, inventories, and logbooks.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in a science related field required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in and/or knowledge of flow cytometry and cell sorting is preferred, but not required for this position as training will be provided by core staff.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities.

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$25.50. 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.