Research Assistant II (Animal Models) - ECD

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant II (Animal Models) - ECD to support the En Route & Critical Care Department (ECD), within the Operational Undersea Medicine Directorate (OUMD), located at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to OUMD.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of a Scientific Director and or Laboratory Manager. Will provide technical laboratory support and assistance in direct support of the Department's surgical, molecular and cell biology research endeavors involving acute traumatic care. The incumbent's daily duties will include tasks that are accomplished in a general research laboratory work environment and in a surgical operating room setting. Assignments will be performed under close supervision with the intent of enhancing the incumbent's knowledge and skills in order to perform more difficult assignments with greater independence at the next higher performance level.

ECD conducts translational research across the continuum of care from point of injury to transport and definitive treatment. Research focus is on the biological response to polytraumatic injuries and the development of improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and decision-support tools for combat related injuries. The department employs animal models of various combat relevant polytrauma injury models to include traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, soft tissue, intestinal and bone injury. Research efforts are aimed at characterizing potential adverse effects related to acute pre-hospital and prolonged field care and patient transport, and at identifying innovative treatment modalities. Additionally, wound infection and wound healing as common complications of polytraumatic injuries are investigated using cutting edge molecular, proteomic and artificial intelligence approaches.

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.

Responsibilities

• Independently support research projects as directed and contribute technically to experimental execution and continuity.
• Make intellectual contributions to current research activities and assist with the refinement of experimental techniques.
• Collect, process, analyze, and interpret research samples while ensuring specimen integrity and adherence to protocols. Assist with laboratory pre-operative surgical setups and perform portions of surgical procedures independently, as trained.
• Perform animal handling, sedation, pre-operative, emergency, and post-operative care procedures including wound management. Provide direct support for monitoring, stabilization, and recovery of anesthetized animals in accordance with established protocol and IACUC guidelines. Assist with euthanasia and necropsy procedures in support of study objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive and compliant peri-operative, post-operative, and laboratory records for incorporation into research datasets and publications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in scientific related field required.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with small and/or large animal models (rodents, swine, non-human primates [NHP], etc.).
• Ability to assist with all surgical procedures and perform select procedures independently.
• Strong understanding of research documentation standards, data integrity, and reproducibility.
• Ability to recognize procedural deviations or animal welfare concerns and escalate appropriately.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and prepare complete and concise reports.
• Knowledgeable with IACUC procedures, AALAS inspections, and animal research compliance requirements.
• AALAS Certifications are highly desirable.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier I Investigation and Common Access Card (CAC).

Physical Capabilities

• The incumbent may be required to stand, sit or bend from a standing position for long periods of time. Full ambulatory capacity and ability to handle/lift animals (could reach 50 pounds). No known allergies to animals. The incumbent may be handling various chemicals and potentially infectious bloodborne pathogens.

Work Environment

• Set in an animal facility and laboratory work environment. This position may require working evenings and weekends depending on the workload of the team.

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $22.16-$26.00. 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(c)

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