Research Assistant I - Infectious Diseases

Overview

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research, and/or method development in collaboration with others for projects. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff. Solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment. Conducts UPLC-MS/MS assays of lipid formulations and other biological molecules. Conducts laboratory scale manufacturing of adjuvants for vaccine studies.

This position will be in support of Adjuvants and Formulation Section, Laboratory of Adjuvant and Antigen Research/US Military HIV Research Program. The program has developed Army Liposome Formulation containing QS-21 (ALFQ) and other liposomal adjuvants for vaccines to HIV and other infectious diseases. The candidate will be involved in the preparation of liposomes and formulation of vaccines, and in conducting analytical chemistry related works to include characterization of liposomal products by UPLC-MS/MS, Viewsizer particle analysis and other chemical and biophysical techniques. This position will also entail research related to developing adjuvants and understanding adjuvant mechanisms.

Learn more about the laboratory here!

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.

Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory research projects, including collection and organization of data, and maintaining databases. Makes detailed observations on experiments and records data in laboratory notebooks.
• Conducts UPLC-MS/MS analysis of lipids in ALFQ and other liposomal adjuvants.
• Prepares liposomes and vaccine formulations.
• Characterizes size distributions of liposomal and other formulations.
• Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures.
• Ensures the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• Applies quality control measures as outlined/required by the protocol. Provides basic data analysis.
• Assists in the preparation of SOPs, protocols, reports, publications, and presentations.
• Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks.
• 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.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Chemistry.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• UPLC-MS/MS experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, and protocols.
• Willingness to be trained on LC-MS/MS. Familiarity or knowledge on LC-MS is a plus.
• Ability to follow general instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

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

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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)

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