Research Assistant I - Battlefield Shock and Organ Support

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 Battlefield Shock and Organ Support Program located at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD.

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.

• Assists with conducting molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, histology, and ELISA, following established protocols and adapting procedures as needed to meet study goals.
• Collects, processes, and analyzes molecular data with proficiency using relevant software tools (e.g., ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, qPCR software).
• Prepares reagents, buffers, and solutions accurately, and monitors lab inventory to ensure the availability of essential supplies and consumables.
• Coordinates with collaborators and team members to support study timelines, ensuring that experiments are completed efficiently and data is shared in a timely manner.
• Follows proper techniques and procedures to maintain laboratory and research records.
• Participate in swine surgical procedures on an as-needed basis, providing support across all phases of surgery-including preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance, postoperative care, and physiological monitoring.
• 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 required
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Must have experience with PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, or histology.
• Knowledge of google suite preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.

Physical Capabilities

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

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $18.25-$26.44. 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

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.