Laboratory Technician - AFRL

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform pathogen-agnostic laboratory characterization activities utilizing molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and broad-spectrum analytical techniques to detect, identify, and characterize known, novel, and emerging biological agents. Ensures compliance with biosafety and quality standards while supporting research, surveillance, biodefense, and public health initiatives.

This position will be in support of Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) program. The CHEERS program is a Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). CHEERS is designed to provide a comprehensive strategy for AFRL and USAFSAM's range of Science and Technology (S&T) and Studies and Analysis (S&A), enabling progression from basic research through technology maturation and transition.

The program focuses on human-centered research to:

• Enable, sustain, enhance, and restore the health, performance, and readiness of multi-domain Airman.
• Integrate biological and cognitive technologies to optimize and protect Airman capabilities in Fly, Fight, and Win across Air, Space, and Cyberspace.

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.

• Perform laboratory testing and characterization of biological samples using pathogen-agnostic methods and workflows.
• Prepare, process, and analyze clinical, environmental, or biological specimens following established laboratory protocols.
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction, sample preparation, library construction, and quality control procedures for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including sequencing platforms, PCR systems, automated liquid handlers, and analytical equipment.
• Support metagenomic, genomic, transcriptomic, and other broad-spectrum pathogen detection and characterization efforts.
• Execute molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and sample enrichment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, electronic laboratory notebooks, and chain-of-custody documentation in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Assist in data review, interpretation, and reporting of laboratory findings to support research, public health, biodefense, or diagnostic initiatives.
• Perform routine quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory safety procedures, including proper handling and disposal of potentially infectious materials.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and laboratory consumables while maintaining inventory and supply tracking systems.
• Participate in method development, validation, optimization, and continuous improvement of characterization workflows.
• Collaborate with scientists, bioinformaticians, and cross-functional laboratory teams to support project objectives and deliverables.
• Support research studies involving emerging infectious diseases, unknown biological agents, and microbial community analysis.

• Associate's Degree.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

• Technical knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of and skill in tissue culture technique and handling biological hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  • Molecular biology and microbiology techniques.
  • NA/RNA extraction and purification.
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Metagenomic sequencing and analysis.
  • qPCR/RT-qPCR.
  • Pac Bio, sequencers, automated sample prep (Oxford Voltrex).
• Experience performing laboratory testing in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment or ability to…