Senior Research Assistant - Neurotrauma Department

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Senior Research Assistant to perform and oversee research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff. Solves highly complex problems in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment.

This position will be in support of the Neurotrauma Department (NTD), within the Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate (OUMD), located at the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. NTD conducts research to develop novel strategies to prevent and treat traumatic brain injury with particular attention given to developing early, far forward interventions for traumatic brain injury alone or in combination with other injuries. The department is focused on blast-related injuries and conducts both animal and human studies of brain injury to assess neurocognitive, neuropsychological, and biomarker changes. Research efforts include studying blast biophysics, identifying the biological responses to blast exposure, and assessing the efficacy of promising therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat pathological changes associated with blast exposure.

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.

• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development in the areas of traumatic brain injury and/or other neurotrauma.
• Lead training and ensuring proficiency of staff members to ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) protocols and applicable guidelines.
• Lead preparing IACUC protocol amendments, annual reports, and other IACUC requirements.
• Performs surgical procedures on small animals followed by post-operative care and treatment.
• Performs other procedures on pre-clinical small animal models including techniques for anesthesia, physiological monitoring, behavioral testing and biospecimen collection.
• Assists with the writing and editing of experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Performs routine data analysis, data entry, and data quality assurance.
• Maintains records and documentation regarding assigned research.
• Assists with the preparation of periodic reporting of project progress.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample selection, data collection, data processing, and/or statistical estimation.
• 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 in a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 9-10 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Candidates with strong background and hands-on experience in small animal handling; animal surgery and aseptic techniques will be given highest priority.
• Experience in leading training, proficiency and regulatory compliance is required.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

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 annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$78,000. 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.

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

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.