Join the HJF Team!

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.

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow is Responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.  

This position will be in support of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University (USU) of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD.  The research seeks to contribute to improved treatment for the neglected tropical disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis, by developing novel oral and topical therapies in a mouse model, that could rapidly translate to human clinical trials. Our projects focus on understanding the local and systemic adaptive immune responses to this intracellular parasite and resulting wound, to establish and test targeted therapies. Strong research interest and experience in immunology, molecular biology and animal handling are required for this position. Qualified candidates will have a doctorate in immunology, parasitology, microbiology or a closely-related field, preference for hands on experience with mouse models.

USU is in Bethesda, MD directly across the street from the NIH, and only 2 miles from the military medical research institutes, and is, therefore, part of an extraordinarily vibrant local biomedical research community. Our research projects leverage excellent Core facilities for flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, animal medicine, Nextgen sequencing and bioinformatics. USU has a strongly collaborative environment, with weekly immunology data club, journal club, as well as regular research seminars featuring both local and invited speakers.  

Responsibilities

• Plans, conducts, and completes complex experiments as directed by the principal investigator. Assignments require the performance of complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches using both human and mouse samples.
• Performs in vitro and in vivo Leishmania infections, determining infection via histological, in vivo imaging, parasite culture, molecular and other approaches. 
• Analyzes host response to Leishmania infection or immunizations using histology, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA, cytokine analysis, molecular and other approaches.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed accurate records of experiments.
• Performs data analysis and ensures accuracy of tabulated data.
• Prepares publication-quality figures and leads/ assists with the writing and editing of experimental results for presentation and publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals
• Assists with training laboratory staff as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas, adheres fully to laboratory safety requirements.
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding organizational abilities and attention to detail; good understanding of animal biology and molecular biology; strong written and verbal communication skills (English language); ability to interact in a professional manner with laboratory and University personnel. Experience with rodent handling, molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR), flow cytometry, tissue culture, BSL-2/ABSL-2 procedures and prior leishmaniasis research experience is highly advantageous.

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods.
• Handling of various chemicals and blood/tissues
• Working for extended periods with laboratory animals
• Handling and performing procedures on laboratory animals

Qualifications

Work Environment

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

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree 
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

All 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.