Functional Capabilities Technician

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Functional Capabilities Technician to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. The Contractor shall conduct basic and applied proteomic and metabolomic research on current and emerging threats at BSL-2, in support of the BD and infectious disease countermeasure mission. The Contractor shall provide expertise in a range of sample preparation techniques, method development and operation of proteomic and metabolomic instrumentation, and the analysis of large datasets.

This position will be in support of United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. USAMRIID works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

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.

• Contractor shall perform sample preparation on a variety of matrices that may include inactivated cells, tissues, viral particles, biofluids, or other matrices. Sample preparations may include purification, homogenization, dialysis, buffer exchanges, dilutions, concentrations, precipitations, extractions, washes, molecular labeling, enzymatic digestion, or others.
• Contractor shall develop and perform liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for the detection and characterization of proteins, peptides, metabolites, or other small molecules. Contractor shall perform SDS-PAGE experiments to separate and assess proteins, nucleic acids, or other biological macromolecules.
• Contractor shall develop and perform data analysis workflows. Data analysis will include identification and quantification of peptide sequences, proteins, and small molecules using various commercial and customizable databases. Data analysis will also include identification and localization of post-translational modifications and statistical comparison of the relative analyte abundance between two or more samples.
• Contractor shall ensure research methods, standard operating procedures, and data records are maintained at the workplace in a status within reasonable timeframe after sample and analytic processing. Contractor shall maintain a database inventory of all samples received.
• Contractor shall participate in weekly lab meetings and assist in development and design of current and future work, as applicable. Contractor shall perform laboratory experiments/protocols directed by Proteomics Branch PI or assigned supervisor(s). The Contractor shall assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. Contractor may be requested to present posters at 1 scientific conference which may require work to be performed outside normal business hours.
• Contractor shall maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations. Contractor shall conduct Equipment Inventory Management twice a year. Contractor shall perform monthly Laboratory Management to include safety functions and chemical/supplies inventory. Contractor shall coordinate ordering of supplies with division staff. Contractor shall assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians.
• Contractor shall communicate to the PI or assigned supervisor(s) experimental data, laboratory, or other work-related issues. Contractor shall communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Contractor shall prepare and provide the TPOC a Functional Capabilities Laboratory Support Progress Report NLT the last working day of each month.
• Contractor shall ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods shall be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washes and drainage systems shall be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. The contractor shall participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance. Contact commercial company and/or USAMRIID medical Maintenance, Clinical Engineering (CEB) when an instrument is malfunctioning or needs periodical PM, and escort engineers during the scheduled visit at USAMRIID.
• Contractor may be required to present work, attend meetings and training, and in collaboration with the government, engage with partners to support the biosurveillance and training missions which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel approximately 1-2 times per year.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 7 years' related experience or Master’s Degree with a 3 years’ related experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Physical Capabilities

• Current on routine adult immunizations or proof of active immunity against HBV, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, Tdap. Employees working directly with patients or research participants must receive a negative TB test.
• 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 a laboratory setting.

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650 - $93,100. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

• 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(c)

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