Research Associate II- Neurology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Associate provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment.

The Research Associate will provide support for a new research project entitled "Acute Anomalous Health Incident Investigations." The goal of the project is to better understand the currently unexplained events reported by US Government personnel in many locations around the world. https://media.defense.gov/2021/Sep/15/2002855031/-1/-1/1/Anomalous-Health-Incidents.PDF.

Anomalous health incidents were previous referred to as "Havana Syndrome" in the popular press. At present, very little is known about the acute phase of these events. Dr. Brody and other members of the research team will be traveling to sites where anomalous health incidents have been reported to perform neurological evaluations, obtain MRI scans, and collect blood samples form affected individuals as well as controls. The blood samples will be shipped back to the laboratory on dry ice for storage and analysis.

This position will be in support of the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda Maryland in the laboratory of Dr. David Brody, MD PhD https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/david-brody-md-phd.

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 project is funded on a year to year basis and may be renewed for additional years contingent upon technical success and further availability of funds.

• Handles human blood samples
• Performs ELISAs and other assays on blood samples
• Creates and maintains an auditable REDCap database .
• Enters coded neurological performance data, MRI scan results, and blood assay data into database.
• Performs initial analyses of data.
• Assists with human studies regulatory documentation.
• Maintains laboratory security, ensuring that both the freezers and the main laboratory are locked at all times when unsupervised.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and stocks of laboratory supplies.
• Coordinates with USU administrative staff on ordering and laboratory financial management.
• Takes a lead role in assuring laboratory safety and compliance.Trains other laboratory staff in laboratory techniques and processes, as needed.
• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff at USU, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, and possibly other sites.
• Documents current or new procedures or protocols for sample handling, data collection, data analysis, and 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

• Master's Degree
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety including handling human blood samples
• Ability to work autonomously when Dr. Brody is out of the laboratory.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Ability to work at a laboratory bench for prolonged periods.
• Ability to safely handle human blood specimens using appropriate protective equipment.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$58,000. 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(c)

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