Laboratory Technician I - Pharmacology

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to perform laboratory procedures and assist with testing, assays, and experiments in the Nugent Lab, Pharmacology Department.

This full-time role welcomes recent graduates in biological sciences and involves hands-on research using a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury while providing strong research experience for future graduate or medical school plans.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• 0-2 years' experience preferred.
• Willingness to commit to at least two years.
• Comfort with rodents (mice) and animal research experience is a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

• Lab management and maintenance: oversee day-to-day operations, ordering supplies, inventory, cleanliness, equipment maintenance and compliance.
• Animal procedures and surgery: perform stereotaxic microinjections in mice and assist with colony management.
• Behavioral and electrophysiological testing: learn, establish, and execute animal behavioral assays and slice electrophysiology experiments.
• Data management: assist with data collection, basic analysis, and maintain organized records.

Skills

Rodent handling

Lab procedures

Data management

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree preferred in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field

Job description

Join the HJF Team!

Job Description

Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to perform laboratory procedures to assist supervisors with various testing, assays, and experiments. Provides support in various areas of a laboratory as needed. Complies with laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans and procedures. This position will be in support of the Nugent Lab in the Pharmacology Department. We are seeking a motivated, recent postbaccalaureate graduate in the biological sciences (or related fields) to join our team as a Full-Time Laboratory Technician. The position involves hands‑on research using a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) to identify the neural circuit mechanisms underlying post‑injury mood disorders. This position offers a strong foundation for recent graduates planning to attend graduate or medical school who wish to gain robust, practical research experience before pursuing advanced degrees. Full training will be provided, though applicants must be comfortable handling rodents. 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

• Lab Management & Maintenance: Oversee day-to-day operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, ensuring laboratory cleanliness, and assisting with equipment maintenance and compliance.
• Animal Procedures & Surgery: Perform stereotaxic microinjections in mice and assist with colony management.
• Behavioral & Electrophysiological Testing: Learn, establish, and execute animal behavioral assays and slice electrophysiology experiments.
• Data Management: Assist with data collection, basic analysis, and maintaining organized experimental records.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree
• Bachelors Degree preferred in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Commitment: Willingness to commit to the role for at least two (2) years.
• Comfort with Animals: Must be comfortable with and willing to handle rodents (mice). Prior animal research experience is a plus, but not required.
• Attributes: Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, reliability, and an eagerness to learn complex neuroscientific techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$22.00. 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.