Vector Biology Research Associate II (Malaria)

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) seeks a Research Associate II to perform research and development in collaboration with scientific staff at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD.

The role supports cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum parasites and mosquito infection studies, with BSL-2 pathogen work. HJF is a nonprofit supporting military medicine and partners with government, academia, and industry.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Biological Safety Level 1 and 2 safety procedures, use of laboratory personal protective equipment.
• Laboratory experience. Knowledge of cell-based methods, molecular detection including PCR.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Must be comfortable working with mosquitos.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Assist with cryopreservation of human RBCs, inventory updates, and preparation (thaw) for use in vitro studies with BLS-2 pathogens and mosquito infections.
• Assist with cultivation of malaria parasites (in vitro) and maintain healthy lab-reared mosquitoes (following available SOPs) to support infection studies with BSL-2 pathogens (i.e., malaria parasites) and other vector-based research studies.
• Work with certified human blood products for use in parasite-vector research in the absence of animal protocol to sustain mosquito colonization.
• Prepare mosquitoes for infectious feeds and infect vectors using appropriate feeding devices, direct animal feeds (if available), or injection methods (depending on the pathogen).
• Harvest mosquito tissues (midgut and salivary glands) and collect expectorated mosquito saliva from uninfected and BSL-2 infected mosquitoes for subsequent analysis.
• Collect and organize laboratory data, provide data summaries, troubleshoot, and provide job-related progress reports/technical reports, as requested.
• Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation, and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Assist with recordkeeping, inventory of laboratory supplies, equipment and reagents.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory reagents, equipment, biological materials and other materials pertaining to experiment execution and laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• 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.

Skills

BSL1/2 safety

Lab experience

PCR knowledge

Communication skills

Mosquito handling

Background check clearance

Education

Master's Degree (science related)

Job description

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) seeks a Research Associate II to perform research and development in collaboration with scientific staff at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD.

The role supports cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum parasites and mosquito infection studies, with BSL-2 pathogen work. HJF is a nonprofit supporting military medicine and partners with government, academia, and industry.