Research Assistant I - Immunology

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 26,174 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) seeks a Research Assistant I to support immunology research within the US Military HIV Research Program.

The role provides laboratory and technical support to senior staff in a team-driven environment. Responsibilities include performing cell culture, assays, data recording, and maintaining lab supplies, with full training provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a related field required.
• Minimum 0–2 years experience required.
• Must obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Responsibilities

• Performs assays including but not limited to virus neutralization assays, molecular cloning, mammalian and bacterial cell culture, protein purification, and ELISAs in a Biosafety Level 2 environment.
• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Follow detailed instructions

Laboratory techniques

Cell culture experience

Good communication

Public Trust background check

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Immunology/Molecular Biology

Job description

Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment. This is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series.

The incumbent will provide laboratory technical support to senior technical and professional staff within the Immunology Section of the US Military HIV Research Program. Research involves a wide variety of techniques including cell culture and cellular assays, molecular biology, biochemistry and flow cytometry. The focus of the lab is the isolation, purification, and characterization of antibodies to various pathogens including HIV and tropical diseases. Full training will be provided. We’re looking for someone who is motivated to learn, organized, and detail‑oriented who enjoys working with a supportive and inclusive team. Great opportunity to grow your skills and contribute to exciting research.

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

• Performs assays including but not limited to virus neutralization assays, molecular cloning, mammalian and bacterial cell culture, protein purification, and ELISAs in a Biosafety Level 2 environment.
• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments.
• 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.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a related field required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work with a team.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and sterile practice.
• Optional prior experience in cell culture, ELISA or molecular cloning.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$25. 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

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.