BSL-3 Laboratory Specialist

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a BSL-3 Laboratory Specialist who will support the Microbiology and Immunology (MI) department of Naval Medical Research Command Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. The mission of the Microbiology and Immunology (MI) and Molecular Diagnostic (MD) departments of BDRD is to research, develop and produce detection and mitigation products to counter biological threat agents, both natural and man-made domestically and across the globe. As part of this mission, both MI and MD departments produce high quality reagents and assay kits that are used by the BDRD Expeditionary Laboratory Operations Department (ELOD), other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies and Federal partners to conduct field and laboratory-based analysis of potential bio-threat agents. In addition to reagent and assay production, both departments work together and with their sponsors and customers to develop new reagents and assays to meet the changing biological threat landscape. Furthermore, the departments perform basic and applied research studies investigating pathogen-host interactions of emerging biothreats and development of medical countermeasures.

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.

• Performs complex data analysis and interpretation, verifies, and corrects data entry.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Assist with the development, production and testing of immunoassays and new immunoassay platforms for various DoD and Federal customers
• Laboratory support will be conducted in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories to include work with BSAT
• Assist with the research and development project aimed at identification of neuromarkers of central nervous system tissue injury
• Assists with research and development for emerging infectious diseases
• Assist with field sample analysis
• Develops methods and procedures for experiments and investigations.
• Writes and assists with experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• Maintain an organized lab notebook, either physical or electronic.
• Provide experimental results in a timely, organized manner.
• 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.
• Present data both internally during lab meetings and externally at conferences.
• Maintain eligibility for enrollment in BDRD's Biological Personal Reliability Program (BPRP), a pre-requisite for access to and working in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree or PhD in a biological science field
• More than 10 years of practical experience conducting microbiology/molecular biology techniques in a BSL-3 laboratory is considered essential

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have demonstrated the ability to operate and sustain a BSL-3 laboratory, including training of other scientists, technicians, and support personnel, writing standard operating procedures/risk assessments, understanding BSL-3 facility requirements, and managing BSAT inventory.
• Must possess a practical knowledge of basic and applied research and must have demonstrated the ability to perform competent research.
• Must have at least 5 years of experience working with BSAT and a thorough understanding of Federal and DoD BSAT regulations/instructions.
• Must have experience working on methods for bacterial growth and detection of bio-threat agents.
• Must meet all criteria for enrollment in the BPRP.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.
• Must be able to travel nationally and internationally for moderate periods of time (up to 2 weeks in length)
• Fluent in the English language as exemplified in written and verbal skills

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $100,500-$140,000. 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.

Some positions or sites may require the incumbent 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.