Postdoctoral Fellow - Optogenetics

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 Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics. The Petrus Lab at the Uniformed Services University studies the brain's adaptation to amputation. We use a mouse model of whisker denervation to study the brain cells, neural circuits and behaviors that are changed after this injury. The goal is to detect the specific cells and mechanisms that may be related to beneficial recovery versus the formation of chronic pain conditions. We use a combination of single nucleus RNA sequencing, histology, electrophysiology, and mouse behavior to perform this research. Our group is highly collaborative within the lab, the university, and has close connections with research labs at the National Institutes of Health. Research assistants will be trained to perform most tasks, but learning and independent thinking is always encouraged. We seek a motivated individual to bring new ideas, hard work and enthusiasm to our team. In return, we are a collegial lab dedicated to helping each member succeed and achieve their professional goals.

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.

Due to site security clearance requirements for this position all non-US citizens must have been in the United States for 3 of the past 5 years.

• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
• Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments.
• Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in 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.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Neuroscience or Physiology.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Patch clamp electrophysiology in acute slices with experience in optogenetics is highly desired
• Prior mentoring experience or positive experience working in a team
• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data
• The ability to obtain and/or maintain a T1 Public Trust with CAC.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• No allergies (or allergies are under maintenance) to mice and rats

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,100-$67,000. 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.