Scientist I - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I 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.

This position will support the laboratory of Dr. Prasanna Satpute-Krishnan within the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. The Satpute-Krishnan lab is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of protein quality control and protein misfolding diseases. The Scientist I will use standard cell and molecular biology approaches including microscopy, recombinant DNA biology, transfections, cell culture, western blot, co-immunoprecipitations, image analysis and lab notebook documentation and presentation at lab meetings.

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.

• Support grant applications by generating preliminary data, developing new reagents, developing protocols.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the lab.
• Help train and supervise students and laboratory technicians.
• Develop, optimize and execute a broad range of laboratory techniques.
• Design and carry out experiments while keeping detailed records of experimental procedures and results in an on-line lab notebook.
• Generate preliminary results and design graphical abstracts toward grant applications.
• Develop expertise in the protein quality control field and present work at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and at scientific meetings.
• Draft scientific papers for publication in collaboration with other lab staff and student researchers.
• Perform communal lab-duties including maintaining cleanliness and organization of laboratory areas, aliquoting reagents, and creating new reagents for lab stocks.
• Contribute to the research environment, presenting research-related journal clubs or new techniques within lab meetings, contributing to lab discussions on on-going projects, and helping maintain lab resources.
• Assist in training other members of the lab and the department, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Education and Experience

• Doctorate Degree required. Molecular & Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of techniques to include recombinant DNA methods such as molecular cloning, cell culture methods such as establishing stable cell lines, protein biochemistry methods such as radioactive pulse-chases, immunoprecipitation, proximity-tagging, SDS-PAGE and western blot, immunofluorescence and microscopy techniques including high resolution imaging and image analysis.
• Subject knowledge in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry or biophysics, as evidenced by publications in related peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience in writing Standard Operating Protocols (SOP).
• Effective written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background investigation.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Long periods of standing and sitting, intricate work with hands.
• Brief periods of working in 4/39 cold room.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours would be required.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $77,600-$82,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

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.