Research Associate II - USUHS/MCCRP

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

This position will be in support of the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) and Dr. Geeta Upadhyay's lab in the Department of Pathology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. The incumbent will be working on solid cancer, specifically breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. They will perform experiments, prepare reports, and participate in day-to-day lab work. The incumbent will use cell culture and molecular biology methods, will be efficient in animal survival surgery, PDX model and organoid culture. These methods will be important in understanding the role of novel LY6 genes in cancer progression and the escape mechanisms of cancer cells from the immune system. Upadhyay lab at Murtha Cancer Center has developed multiple Ly6 targeted therapeutics and that will require testing of these novel therapeutics in animal models of cancer. Opportunities for further training exist.

The John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed Bethesda is a modern, patient-centric, tri-service military healthcare facility. Its comprehensive core of military and civilian oncologists and other cancer- trained clinicians and researchers provide multidisciplinary cancer-care delivery and patient-family support services. Our Cancer Center, the only DoD Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offers its patients access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies.

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.

• Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Trains junior laboratory staff in laboratory techniques and processes, as needed.
• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Analyzes and prepares reagent and/or assay product documentation. Organizes and procures needed reagents, performs experiments, analyzes data, and documents results.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for the role.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree required in relevant scientist discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in animal survival surgery is a must
• Proven experience with flow cytometry is highly desired.
• Proven experience in stable and inducible cell line development
• Preferred experience in organoid culture and experience working with patient tissue material
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust Clearance

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $60,000-$90,000. 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.