Research Assistant I - Undersea Medicine

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 Undersea Medicine Department located at the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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.

• Provide technical and operational support to Principal and Assistant Investigators and support staff in all aspects of research planning and execution, not limited to scheduling of experiments and operation of equipment. Determine feasibility of proposed projects, systems, and/or approaches necessary to develop novel and advanced solutions to research requirements. Assists the team and provides input that they may feel valuable for developing and refining technical approaches and methodology.
• Perform laboratory tests, animal procedures and assessments, as well as analyses involving a variety of technical approaches.
• Procedures include minor surgical procedures, injections, among others.
• Tests include hematocrit, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and molecular biology techniques such as SDS-PAGE, PCR and ELISA.
• Perform large animal husbandry tasks to include:
  • Handle and observe 20-70 kg swine.
  • Transport large animals to the workspaces.
  • Clean and sanitize workspaces and equipment contaminated with animal waste and bodily fluids.
  • Conduct post-experiment monitoring and care.
• Perform small animal husbandry and research tasks to include:
  • Handle and observe 250-450 gram rats.
  • Assist in the operation of small animal hypobaric and hyperbaric research equipment, including alternobaric chambers, pressurized piping systems, and pressurized gas cylinders.
• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments.
• If the incumbent is unfamiliar with certain aspects of animal handling and/or is inexperienced in the performance of certain procedures or tests, then training will be provided.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to safely handle and monitor small animals (e.g., rodents) and large animals (e.g., 20-70 kg swine).
• Ability to exercise time management and adhere to project timelines and deadlines.
• Technical knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Ability to follow general and specific instructions.
• Knowledge of safe handling, use, and disposal of hazardous materials, chemicals and biological hazards.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25-50 lbs; Animal handling to include rodents and swine.
• Requires long periods of sitting and standing.
• Handling of chemical reagents.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $18.23-$21.63. 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.