Research Scientist II - Diagnostic Research Laboratory

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine; California; On-site; USD 93,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead complex molecular and translational studies at the CIF Diagnostic Research Laboratory in California. You will design, optimize, and apply cutting-edge assays with multidisciplinary teams and train residents and staff.

This senior role requires a Ph.D. and 5–8 years of independent research, with expertise in NGS, advanced PCR, LC/MS, and histology.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, or closely related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of independent research experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage independent and collaborative research projects.
• Utilize advanced molecular technologies to support translational studies and precision medicine initiatives.
• Independently design, optimize, and validate novel molecular and microbiological assays.
• Mentor junior staff, residents, and trainees; provide study design and experimental guidance.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, posters, and grant submissions for dissemination.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

Next-Generation Sequencing

Flow cytometry

Assay development

Translational research

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

LC/MS

PCR

Histology

Cell culture

Data analysis

Job description

Join the HJF Team!

Job Description

HJF is seeking a Research Scientist II to serve as a senior scientific investigator and educator supporting the academic, research, and service missions of the Clinical Investigation Facility. The incumbent will conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to graduate-level education, mentor medical residents and diverse scientific staff, and support unit research and scholarly activities. This position requires scientific leadership, independent judgment, and expertise in advanced molecular technologies and assay development for precision medicine and translational research applications.

This position supports the Clinical Investigation Facility’s (CIF) Diagnostic Research Laboratory at Travis AFB, CA. The CIF is a premier research and training facility dedicated to supporting Graduate Medical Education (GME) and advancing military medical readiness. Operating within a state-of-the-art David Grant Medical Center, the CIF Diagnostic Research Laboratory supports a diverse portfolio of human and animal studies designed to advance benchtop discoveries into clinical solutions that address critical Department of War (DoW) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) operational capability gaps.

This role will lead, design, develop, and optimize novel diagnostic assays to drive innovative basic and translational science projects. The successful candidate will be a scientist who can work independently, apply existing expertise with new laboratory technologies to address diverse research questions, guide multidisciplinary teams, and train junior staff.

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

• Design, conduct, and manage independent and collaborative research projects to support the unit’s human and animal research programs.
• Utilize advanced molecular and multi-omic laboratory technologies to support unit studies and precision medicine initiatives (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing, advanced PCR, LC/MS, flow cytometry, cell culture, and histological processing).
• Independently design, optimize, and validate novel assays for molecular and microbiological translational studies.
• Monitor scientific literature, formulate experimental hypotheses, design experimental protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical training, mentorship, and scientific guidance to junior staff, GME residents, and support staff on study design, proposal preparation, and experimental execution.
• Process and interpret experimental data, maintain detailed workbook/documentation, and ensure documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Collaborate with clinical and basic science researchers to translate research findings into applications.
• Coordinate and prepare written reports, manuscripts, and peer-reviewed papers for scientific journal publication, patent applications, and grant/funding submissions.
• Create and present abstracts and posters at scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with Office of Human Research Protection standards, federal regulatory agencies, and facilitate strict adherence to safety and quality control protocol.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree Required. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal doctorate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Genomics, or closely related field.
• Prior experience with assay development and validation required.
• Must complete CITI/ HIPAA training.
• Minimum of 5-8 years independent research experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Deep technical expertise in molecular diagnostics (e.g., Next Generation Sequencing, advanced PCR, LC/MS, flow cytometry, etc).
• Experience in developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions from concept to validation.
• The ability to effectively produce data for and author professional, peer reviewed journal articles, manuscripts, research grant applications, posters and research reports required.
• Experience in conducting independent research, study design, quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and in a supervisory capacity depending on local leadership needs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent research and educational initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning and research environment.
• Ability to establish productive collaborations with academic, military, and government stakeholders.
• Strong record of scientific publications and/or successful grant support.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust Background Check.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary pay range for this position is $93,100-$143,000. 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.

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.