Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (COVID-19) to support a growing International Clinical Research Laboratory within the Austere Environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO) located at the Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to ACESO. US Citizenship required. 

This individual will be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursues research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

ACESO is headquartered in Frederick, MD and conducts clinical research at numerous international sites. The incumbent will utilize expertise in human immunology to characterize the host-response to several infectious pathogens of military relevance including Burkholderia pseudomallei, Coxiella burnetii and SARS-CoV-2. 

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development. Works independently and with the PI to plan, execute and troubleshoot scientific research. (25%)
2. Utilizes molecular biology, protein purification, and cell culture methods to clone, express, and purify antigens. Possess a working knowledge of safety standards for chemical and biological laboratories and practices. Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures, as well as institutional training. (10%)
3. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures. Utilizes molecular biology, protein purification, and cell culture methods to clone, express, and purify antigens. Conducts immune assays such as ELISA, Luminex/MagPix assays, antigen recall and ELISpot assays. (25%)
4. Collects and handles samples, to include human specimens such as serum, plasma and PBMCs, and keeps detailed records of experiments. Gives high attention to detail and maintains scrupulous record keeping and laboratory practices. (20%)
5. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; presents data at scientific meetings. (15%)
6. Maintains supplies in the laboratory and keeps the laboratory area clean. (5%)
7. 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: Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques; ability to follow general instructions; good communication and analytical skills; ability to meet deadlines of projects. Excellent laboratory techniques including blood-borne pathogens precautions. Demonstrated experience working with immune-assays such as ELISA and Luminex/MagPix assays, the cultivation of human PBMCs, antigen recall and ELISpot assays. Knowledge of applying statistical analyses to data is desired.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology or other relevant biological science.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: 0-5 years of relevant work experience required.

Physical Capabilities: Requires long periods of standing and sitting; must be capable of working solo and as a laboratory team member; must be able to handle various chemicals and potential biohazards; must be available nights or weekends as needed for completion of laboratory experiments as necessary.

Work Environment: Set in a laboratory environment.

Travel Requirements: This position will be based in Frederick, MD. However, the incumbent will be required at meetings, and/or attend local conferences/training events within a 50-miles radius of Frederick, MD. Any travel over 50-miles will be reimbursed by the program.

Background/Security: U.S. citizenship required; eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier III Investigation/ Secret Clearance and Common Access Card (CAC).

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, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check. 

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

Qualifications

Education

Required

Doctorate (Academic) or better in Microbiology or related field.

Experience

Required

Less than 5 years: 0-5 years of relevant work experience required.

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)