Postdoctoral Fellow - Animal Model Research

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.

seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow - Animal Model Research to initiate and carry out research projects in collaboration with a team, pursuing work on Medical Countermeasures in animal models of Acute Radiation Syndrome at AFIRU/USUHS. Based at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute within the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the role involves designing experiments, reporting results, mentoring

Qualifications

• Knowledge of molecular and cell biology and laboratory techniques; good communication and analytical skills.
• DNA and RNA extraction and purification, molecular analysis of specific DNA/RNA/micro-RNA transcripts by quantitative PCR and RT-PCR; clonogenicity assay; antibody-based protein detection (Western blotting, immunofluorescence, cytokine arrays and ELISA).
• Willing to participate in animal studies; experience in animal handling, injections, blood and tissue collections.
• Knowledge of public medical research databases and programs.
• Maintain detailed documentation of research projects and laboratory SOPs/quality control records.
• Experience with data compilation and analysis using standard software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism).
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute Radiation Countermeasure Development in mice in coordination with PI and lab staff.
• Present new ideas to understand mechanisms of action of Radiation Countermeasure Drugs; develop hypotheses and experimental protocols.
• Develop new technologies; write IACUC protocols and amendments.
• Perform specialized lab procedures (e.g., Western blotting, ELISA, qPCR/RT-PCR, flow cytometry).
• Manage day-to-day experiments and mentor technical staff.
• Prepare quarterly/annual reports; present at meetings; draft manuscripts for publication.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

qPCR & RT-PCR

Western blotting

Immunofluorescence

Animal handling

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow - Animal Model Research is Responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will be in support Dr. Vidya Kumar, developing Medical Countermeasures in animal models of Acute Radiation Syndrome at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute within the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

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.

• Responsible for planning and executing Radiation Countermeasure Development in mice exposed to radiation using various sources in coordination with PI and other lab personnel.
• Responsible for presenting new ideas to understand the mechanism of action of promising Radiation Countermeasure Drugs, develop hypothesis, design, and implements experimental protocols.
• Develop new technologies, write IACUC protocols and amendments.
• Expect to Perform specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as western blotting, ELISA, molecular analysis of specific RNA transcripts by quantitative RT-PCR, and flow cytometry.
• Responsible for managing day to day experiments and mentors technical and junior level staff.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for projects, attends scientific meetings, write manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree required.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of molecular and cell biology and laboratory techniques; good communication and analytical skills.
• Must have demonstrated research expertise include DNA and RNA extraction and purification, molecular analysis of specific DNA, RNA and/or micro-RNA transcripts by quantitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR); perform clonogenicity assay, antibody-based protein detection such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, cytokine arrays and ELISA.
• Willing to participate in animal studies is required. Experience in animal handling, injections, blood and tissue collections is desired.
• Applicants should have knowledge of using public medical research database and programs.
• Maintain detailed documentation of research projects.
• Maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and records of quality control in accordance with established requirements.
• Experience with data compilation and analysis using standard software programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, GraphPad prism). Knowledge of appropriate scientific area.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/ Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 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 annual salary range for this position is $52,800 - $70,000. Actual salary 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.