What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist I (Immunology) position at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the...?
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.
This position will be in support of Combat Wound Infections Division (CWID). Provides administrative and programmatic support to the Combat Wound Infections Department (CWID), under the direction of the Department Head. Provide expertise in innate and adaptive immunity and murine models of disease.
HJF is seeking a Scientist I (Immunology) to develop and conduct research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols. Skilled in a variety of immunological assays and possess extensive in vivo experimental design expertise. Responsible for leading characterization of therapeutic candidates and developing the necessary in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo animal disease models for establishing efficacy of novel antimicrobial strategies.
- Processes and interprets experimental data. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocols.
- Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
- Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications. Trains and supervises laboratory technicians, as needed.
- Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific 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.
- Maintains cell lines and primary cells.
- Implements and conducts in vitro measurements of innate immune activation and pattern recognition.
- Design and execute and analyze studies involving FACS, flow cytometry, and the corresponding techniques.
- Measures interferon-stimulated genes and cytokine activation by a variety of techniques including flow cytometry, bead or plate-based multiplex assays and RT-qPCR/ddPCR from cell lines and primary cells in vitro or ex vivo, reporter-cell assays, western blot, immunofluorescence assay among others to evaluate various novel antimicrobial candidates.
- Deep knowledge of innate and cellular immunity required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently and supervise others.
- Extensive experience with FACS, Flow Cytometry, and corresponding analysis and techniques.
- Knowledge of immunohistochemistry.
- Extensive experience with in vitro immunological assays, including cell-based reporter assays, and in vivo experimental design and execution.
- Deep knowledge of innate and cellular immunity required.
- Proven ability to interpret complex animal data to draw conclusions about therapeutic effects on both local and systemic immune functions.
- Experience with wound infections and sepsis is a plus.
- Experience with RNA-based therapeutics is a plus.
- Comfort driving independent work and flexing into areas of less experience.
- Work collaboratively on a team of experts (microbiologists, veterinarian, pathologist).
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.
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.
- Operating motor vehicles, machinery, and/or power tools.
This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
Education and Experience
- Doctoral Degree in Immunology or molecular/cell biology with an immunological focus required.
- Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.
All HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.
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)
