Scientist I - Animal Research

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I with Animal Research Duties to develop and conduct animal research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols. Develops and supervises both in vitro and in vivo research utilizing animal preclinical models, including preparation and execution of studies. Supports and advises other team members on animal experimental design and best practices for animal procedure techniques. Supports and advises other team members to ensure IACUC reports and protocols are approved and accurate. Coordinates with team members and vivarium staff on shipping, housing and other institutional accreditation standards.

This position will be in support of the Combat Wound Infections Division of the Operationally Relevant Infections Department at the Naval Medical Research Center.

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.

• Plans, executes, and oversees laboratory research. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocols. Assists the department head in establishing and meeting agreed upon research milestones. Processes and interprets experimental data. Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Conduct studies to develop combat-relevant infection animal models as pipelines for testing treatments of wound and systemic infections.
• Conduct studies to screen/develop/optimize new therapeutics.
• Advises and assists research investigators on experimental design and procedures in animal studies. Plans, organizes, and performs experimental animal procedures (small animal surgery, large animal surgery, monitor, post-surgery observation, data collection at time points) in support of research studies. Conducts ongoing education of team members in regard to animal experiments.
• Monitors scientific literature. Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• Assists division head and PIs to maintain approved and accurate animal use protocols - draft, edit, prepare amendments, ensure staff are up to date on appropriate training, route for approvals, and ensure that all components of the active experiments have been approved within the protocol(s).
• Tracks animal use in studies, monitors experiments performed under IACUC protocols, and manages adverse events and animal records.
• Interacts closely with both veterinarians in the animal facility and other internal collaborators/departments to coordinate surgery and experimental space and preparations, equipment and medication management.
• Serves as liaison to the program manager in the procurement of and/or housing of animals. Maintains essential animal science skills via seminars, trainings and collaboration with vivarium Veterinary staff as needed.
• Assists the division head and PIs to prepare new grant and funding applications.
• Collaborates with other technical and professional staff. Trains and supervises technical staff. 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

• Doctoral degree (PhD or DVM) required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of trauma-related animal models.
• Knowledge of animal surgical techniques as they relate to wound trauma and infections.
• Knowledge of medical microbiology, multiple preclinical models of wound infections, and associated molecular and biochemical analyses (e.g., Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Minimum Experience/Training Requirements

• 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience in the wound healing and infections field required for this position.
• 2-3 years of experience working on DoD-approved preclinical models of combat wound infections: superficial wounds, deep tissue wounds, sepsis at a minimum.
• 2-3 years of experience working on combat wound therapeutic interventions.
• Experience with Institutional Animal Ethical Committees and animal facilities.
• Experience in wound healing and polytraumatic wounds is a plus.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: requires lifting materials up to 25 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 $73,800-$105,000. 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 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.