Scientist - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Job Description

Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Scientist I to develop and conduct research projects. The Scientist I will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems, and develop new technologies and protocols.

This position will support the laboratory of Dr. Prasanna Satpute-Krishnan within the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. The Satpute‑Krishnan lab is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of protein quality control and protein misfolding diseases. The Scientist I will use standard cell and molecular biology approaches including microscopy, recombinant DNA biology, transfections, cell culture, western blot, co‑immunoprecipitations, image analysis and lab notebook documentation, and will present at lab meetings.

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.

• Support grant applications by generating preliminary data, developing new reagents, and developing protocols.
• Manage the day‑to‑day operation of the lab.
• Help train and supervise students and laboratory technicians.
• Develop, optimize, and execute a broad range of laboratory techniques.
• Design and carry out experiments while keeping detailed records of experimental procedures and results in an online lab notebook.
• Generate preliminary results and design graphical abstracts toward grant applications.
• Develop expertise in the protein quality control field and present work at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific meetings.
• Draft scientific papers for publication in collaboration with other lab staff and student researchers.
• Perform communal lab duties including maintaining cleanliness and organization of laboratory areas, aliquoting reagents, and creating new reagents for lab stocks.
• Contribute to the research environment by presenting research‑related journal clubs or new techniques within lab meetings, contributing to lab discussions on ongoing projects, and helping maintain lab resources.
• Assist in training other members of the lab and the department, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Doctorate Degree required. Molecular & Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2‑5 years experience required.

• Knowledge of techniques including recombinant DNA methods such as molecular cloning, cell culture methods such as establishing stable cell lines, protein biochemistry methods such as radioactive pulse‑chases, immunoprecipitation, proximity‑tagging, SDS‑PAGE and western blot, immunofluorescence, and microscopy techniques including high‑resolution imaging and image analysis.
• Subject knowledge in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics, as evidenced by publications in related peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience in writing Standard Operating Protocols (SOP).
• Effective written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background investigation.

• Lifting:
  Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Long periods of standing and sitting, intricate work with hands.
• Brief periods of working in 4℃/39℉ cold room.

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