Research Assistant I - Microbiology

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 Department of Microbiology 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.

• Performs research projects as assigned, 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.
• Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff.
• Processes samples (animal and cell culture) as required for the project.
• Maintains the lab, takes inventory and identifies items that need to be replaced, packs and ensures proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials in MPW boxes to the designated areas, maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment, fills departmental liquid N2 tanks every week, and ensures that the Liquid N2 tanks where samples are stored is appropriately filled regularly.
• Performs laboratory research projects, including collection and organization of data.
• Makes detailed observations about experiments and provides basic data analysis and interpretation.
• Assists with the preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, manuscripts.
• Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories and logbooks.
• Performs data entry for research projects and maintains databases.
• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures.
• 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, preferred in biology, chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
* Experience in working with viruses, cell culture, techniques in virology and immunology.
* Should be willing to work with cells, tissues and body fluids from humans and animals (mice, ferrets, and NHP).
* Ability to follow detailed instructions and work with other personnel in the laboratory.
* Good communication and analytical skills.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 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 hourly pay range for this position is $18.25-$24.03. 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.