Research Assistant I - PHA-AFRRI

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 26,629 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health coverage and retirement plans

Job summary

A nonprofit organization supporting military medicine is seeking a Research Assistant I. This role involves laboratory research responsibilities, including assisting research projects, conducting assays, and performing advanced data analysis. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with 0-2 years of laboratory experience. Strong statistical software skills and scientific writing abilities are essential for success in this position, as well as the capability to support the development of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience required.
• Prior experience with small animals/rodents is desired.
• Ability to obtain a public trust background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory research projects utilizing small and large animal models.
• Conduct complex assays while ensuring good laboratory practices.
• Perform sophisticated data analysis and create scientific manuscripts.
• Work alongside senior staff to develop project protocols.

Skills

Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques

Good communication skills

Experience with statistical software

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

SPSS

GraphPad Prism

MATLAB

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Join the HJF Team! The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. This role is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series and will support the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). It is designed for a candidate with a strong foundation in laboratory research and a passion for scientific writing. The incumbent will work closely with a Principal Investigator to design studies, contribute to protocol development, execute complex experiments, perform data analysis, and transform raw data into high‑impact, peer‑reviewed publications.

HJF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. Founded in 1983, it serves military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. HJF’s support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory research projects utilizing both small animal (rodents) and large animal (NHP) models, including handling, specialized blood/tissue collection, biochemical assays, detailed observations, and data analysis.
• Conduct complex assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, Microscopy) while maintaining meticulous laboratory records, ensuring data for statistical analyses are complete and accurate, and following Good Laboratory Practices, standard operating procedures, and laboratory cleanliness requirements.
• Perform sophisticated data analysis and inference using software such as SPSS, GraphPad Prism, and MATLAB to ensure reproducible and valid scientific conclusions.
• Contribute significantly to the development of research protocols, technical reports, summaries, and scientific manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, communicating detailed observations on experiments.
• Collaborate with senior professional staff and peers to develop quality project protocols, data analysis summaries, research summary reports, presentations, annual reports, scientific research‑related materials, and manuscripts.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in the Biological Sciences.
• Minimum of 0‑2 years of hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Prior experience in handling small animals/rodents and supporting pre‑clinical research desired; NHP experience preferred but not required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques and assays such as Luminex, ELISA, and microscopy.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Experience with statistical, graphing, and other relevant software applications (SPSS, GraphPad Prism, SigmaPlot, MS Office, EndNote, MATLAB, etc.) in statistical analysis, data science, and bioinformatics applications.
• Ability in scientific writing, including the ability to draft summaries and contribute to manuscript sections.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a T1 public trust background investigation.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods.
• Ability to wear an N95 respirator.

Work Environment

• Primarily a laboratory setting, including some work in an animal facility.
• HepB, Tdap, MMR immunizations and a negative TB test are required to work inside the animal facility.
• Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33–$24.00. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and well‑being, including medical, dental, vision coverage, health savings, 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 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).