Research Assistant at Henry M. Jackson Foundation of Military Bethesda, MD

Research Assistant I – Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Position located in Bethesda, MD, supporting the Bio Instrumentation Center (BIC) at Uniformed Services University. The role involves data collection via research interviews and provides laboratory and technical support to senior staff within the BIC genomics core facility.

Note: Non‑US citizens must have lived in the US for at least three of the past five years.

• Provide superior products, services, and training to users of the genomics facility; expertise in genomics, genetic analysis, and gene expression including DNA/RNA sample preparation, quality control, nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis, qPCR and other expression assays, and data analysis.
• Operate and maintain genomics instrumentation; calibrate instruments and select reagents and operation parameters to ensure reliable results.
• Properly collect bio‑hazardous and chemical waste and coordinate with EHS for safe removal; inspect the genomics facility and recommend actions for regulatory compliance.
• Schedule instrument usage, bill for products, services, and training; maintain laboratory supply inventories and monitor expenditures.
• Assist users in developing experimental protocols, preparing data for publication, recommending corrective actions for insufficient results, and maintaining records of experimental data and results; stay current on new developments in genomics, acquire new instrumentation, and attend courses and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed by the supervisor, including attendance at required training.

• Knowledge of principles and theories of molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemistry (minimum bachelor’s degree).
• Technical skills in laboratory techniques of molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemistry; experience in research data acquisition and analysis; operation of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation.
• Proficiency with standard software (databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentation graphics) and scientific applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to explain scientific principles and technical requirements; resolve research and user problems.
• Knowledge of scheduling, billing, purchasing, and budgeting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – listening, negotiating, managing, and advising users; persuasion and motivation to facilitate smooth interactions.
• Knowledge of precautions for handling biological and chemical hazards to ensure safe use and disposal.

• Work Environment: primarily in a laboratory.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 0–2 years experience.
• Some positions or sites may require full vaccination against COVID‑19; proof may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Employees with access to compensation information may disclose it only in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

41 CFR 60‑1.35(c).

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Any qualifications considered as equivalents require prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.