Scientist I - Next Generation Sequencing

Overview

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I to lead the development and/or evaluation, validation, and implementation of U.S. FDA approved/cleared platforms/assays, laboratory developed tests, and next generation methodologies for detection of infectious pathogens of US Military and National interest. The position is within the Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory (LDL), of the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will be expected to apply a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to support clinical laboratory service delivery and clinical research initiatives focused on diagnostic, therapeutic, cure and or vaccine research for prevalent and emerging pathogens. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment and teams encompassing US Military, US Government Agencies, Foreign Militaries, Non-Profit Organizations, Academia, and International Scientific collaborators.

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the design, development, evaluation and implementation of molecular assays to include amplicon based sequencing /whole genome sequencing for pathogen detection.
• Performs independent laboratory research leading to the development and implementation of advanced molecular, characterization of emerging, re-emerging pathogens.
• Participates in analysis of scientific literature, identification of diagnostic gaps, and subsequent protocol design to develop and validate a suite of advanced molecular methods for comprehensive pathogen detection / diagnosis.
• Investigates and evaluates computational methods and advanced technologies to ensure DCB diagnostic countermeasure development remains state of art.
• Prepares verification, validation plans and summaries in accordance with CAP/CLIA/U.S. FDA regulatory requirements to include preparation of all documents for the performance of the test systems and associated reagents.
• Assesses, validates performance of Laboratory Developed Assays (LDAs) to meet regulatory compliance for testing of human and/or animal biological specimens used to inform patient management or end point analyses for clinical research studies.
• Establishes Standard Operating Procedures to include quality control procedures for all reagents used intest systems in accordance with accrediting body and U.S regulatory agency standards (CAP/CLIA/U.S. FDA) for execution within clinical laboratories conducting high complexity testing and in support of preventative/intervention countermeasures, i.e, vaccine, therapeutic, and cure research initiatives.
• Summarizes data, prepares written reports, abstracts,posters, oral presentationsfor submission to scientific conferences, and prepares manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• Collaborates with DCB, internal WRAIR, and external scientists to prepare proposals, budgets, and grant submissions.
• Assists in identifying and establishing collaborations with intramural (WRAIR) and other government, academic or industry researchers including drafting Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).
• Trains clinical and clinical research personnel in execution of LDA and new/novel test systems.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations. Supervises technical staff in the Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory. Monday - Friday , may require working evenings and weekends on occasion as the work priorties dictate.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Doctorate Degree required in Biology, Microbiology, or Genetics preferred.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Laboratory experience (wet bench) in developing, validating, implementing NGS-based assays and other molecular assays used in clinical and clinical research laboratories.
• Ability to oversee implementation and execution of high complexity assays, troubleshoot technical procedures, prepare and execute clinical verification/validation studies, summarize results, and train and supervise technical staff.
• Excellent communication skills including preparation of research plans and proposals, technical reports, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals. Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to present scientific findings as shown by first author publications and oral presentations at scientific meetings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• The individual must be able to work in a Biological Safety Cabinet for handling of infectious agents and performance of various assays and techniques.
• 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 - $90,000. 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 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.