Molecular Biology Researcher

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Molecular Biology Researcher to interdisciplinary research, combining physical, computational, and life-science research to improve the efficiency and efficacy in the development of militarily relevant medical products for Force Health Protection. Typically works on one or two projects with more senior scientists.

This position will be in support of  Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Medical Readiness Systems Biology Branch (MRSB) Branch. MRSB Branch, aligned under the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience (CMPN), consists of a team of laboratory molecular biology research scientists and technicians alongside computational biologists and bioinformaticians focused on identifying biomarkers of disease using a systems biology and multi-omics approach. Laboratory scientists and support staff complete a wide range of laboratory assays necessary for generating multi-omics datasets as well as research dissemination efforts including compiling, summarizing, and presenting information to inform novel research efforts and disseminate findings. Computational scientists perform advanced data analyses and manage big data to identify biomarkers and develop products for a variety of stakeholders across the military health system, in addition to, conducting literature reviews, writing manuscripts, and developing new research protocols, and funding proposals. Products developed, analyzed, and presented by the MRSB are regularly used by enterprise leadership to inform doctrine, practices, and policies.
The research mission of MRSB aims to apply robust and precise molecular-based solutions for military-relevant health performance, resilience, and readiness. MRSB is a disease agnostic program that utilizes high-throughput, multi-omics platforms supported by a suite of cutting edge, targeted assay tools and AI-driven analytical capabilities to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and generate a knowledge base about biological mechanisms and personalized care. 

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.

The objective is to conduct requirements driven basic and applied research to promote Warfighter readiness, health, and performance, which is achieved through integrated scientific support. This shall include a broad range of biomedical research to support MRSB on achieving its research mission. Areas of research interest include but are not limited to multi-omics platform, bioinformatics and statistics, software and web applications, and factor into advice and guidance to guide leadership in the development of strategic research efforts and programs. This will include the following tasks: molecular biology research, computational biology/bioinformatics, as well as field research.

The principal focus is on identifying biomarkers of diseases to create evidence-based knowledge products and develop precision care management and systems medicine for military relevant health issues improve Soldier readiness

Responsibilities

• Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs, and implements experimental protocols related to computational models.
• Monitors the scientific literature for research progress and novel ideas.
• Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
• Collects, processes, and interprets experimental data and model outputs.
• Collaborates with other scientists and computational staff on research projects and the development of new approaches to existing research problems.
• Prepares research proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and present research methods and findings at appropriate forums.
• 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 within Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science or related discipline
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computational experience with solid knowledge of informatics tools and visualization/data mining package
• Proficiency in common database/programming/scripting languages (e.g., SQL, R, Python, Perl, Java, MATLAB, C++) and their application in biomedical research; excellent communication skills
• Research training and proficiency in statistical analysis biomedical research, and quantitative analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures
• Good analytical skills
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance

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 an office setting.

Compensation  

• The likely salary range for this position is $73,800 - $125,600 annually. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final salary will be determined based on market analysis, experience, and education. 

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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.