Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor / Research Assistant III to support the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB) located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research at 13 Taft Court in Rockville, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to DCB.

Planning, executing, and analyzing nucleic acid and immunological tests in support of clinical/research for detection, quantification and/or speciation of SARS-CoV-2, HIV, blood born infections, parasites, and other pathogens of US Military interest.

NOTE:  As per Executive Order 14042, 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.

Responsibilities: 

1. Function as a highly skilled molecular and immunological laboratory technician in the planning, execution and analysis of nucleic acid and serological tests including manual and automated extractions, ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, and standard PCR assays with minimal oversight. (30%)
2. Assist with the planning, preparation, development/evaluation, optimization and validation of nucleic acid and immunological tests and related equipment including designing follow-up experiments and equipment/assay troubleshooting steps as needed. (20%)
3. Perform result analysis using statistical software, perform literature searches, create summaries/presentations, present results to laboratory members verbally and in writing and assists in the preparation of manuscripts and presentations. (15%)
4. Perform and provide training in the performance of assays and maintenance tasks. (15%)
5. Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories, and logbooks. Performs data entry for research projects and may maintain data and database(s). (10%)
6. Write, edit and review SOPs for procedures performed in the lab and help in standardization of procedures. (10%)
7. 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of common molecular and immunological laboratory techniques; Extensive experience in planning, performing, and analyzing qPCR assays; ability to learn procedures with minimal oversight; good communication, writing and analytical skills.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: Minimum 6-8 years of experience required.

Physical Capabilities: Requires lifting materials up to 40 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Work Environment: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals. Conditions that pose risk of exposure to pathogens.

Work Arrangement: 100% on-site.

Background/Security: Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/Public Trust.  

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, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.   

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