Research Assistant I - Radiobiology and Animal Models

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. 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.

This position will be in support of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). The incumbent will assist in the development of medical countermeasures against radiation.

The primary research interests of Dr. Singh's laboratory are to develop radiation countermeasures for acute radiation syndrome (ARS) following US FDA Animal Rule. His laboratory has extensive experience in studying the hematopoietic and gastrointestinal ARS following total-body and partial-body irradiation using animal models, and the effects of various radiation countermeasures on injury and recovery. His objective is to identify and validate non-invasive biomarkers using various omic platforms for radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy. His laboratory has identified and validated several biomarkers using metabolomics/lipidomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and miRNA for radiation dose assessment and efficacy of radiation countermeasures. He has also identified a few miRNAs which can distinguish between irradiated versus unirradiated animals.

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 research projects, including the collection and organization of data from both small and large animal models. 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.
• Performs or assist with bioinformatic data analysis from lipidomic/metabolomic, proteomic and transcriptomic studies.
• Evaluates data for statistical significance using SPSS statistical software.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, summaries, and protocols.
• Performs various veterinary procedures related to research at animal facilities, such as blood/tissue collection and necropsy.
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with ELISA and Luminex.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and analysis of data from lipidomic/metabolomic, proteomic and transcriptomic studies.
• Familiarity with SPSS and Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public trust.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods
• Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly rate for this position is $18.25-$24.04/hour. Actual hourly rate 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.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

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.