Laboratory Technician I - Biology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to support research in the Satpute-Krishnan lab in the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD. The Satpute-Krishnan lab is cell and molecular biology lab that is focused on dissecting protein quality control machinery within the secretory pathway of cells and elucidating the molecular basis of protein misfolding diseases.

This position will be in support of Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD.

We are seeking a candidate who is motivated to promote the operation of a basic cell and molecular biology lab including lab maintenance, organization of reagents, preparing reagents, maintaining cell culture, optimizing protocols and generating preliminary data for grants.

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 communal lab-duties including maintaining cleanliness and organization of laboratory areas, aliquoting reagents, and creating new reagents for lab stocks.
• Maintain a detailed and complete electronic lab notebook to document the below duties 3-7.
• Perform co-immunoprecipitations and western blots to generate preliminary results.
• Maintain cell culture, transfect cells and produce stable cell lines for general lab use.
• Construct and isolate DNA plasmids to support lab projects.
• Develop and optimize immunofluorescence protocols to support lab projects.
• Use spreadsheet and graphing software for data analysis.
• Perform image analysis using Image J software.
• Follow and reinforce frameworks that are in place for the maintenance of lab databases, DNA construct glycerol stocks log, sequencing log and primer logs.
• Oversee the repair of equipment or ordering supplies as necessary.
• May require working evenings and weekends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree required. Bachelor of Science in biology or any of the sub-specialties (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics) preferred.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to focus meticulous attention to details.
• Ability to produce reproducible results.
• Ability to work with others in a team-oriented working environment, and maintain high ethical standards.
• Ability to identify issues and problems, troubleshoot them independently and report the effort and outcome to the PI.
• Mastery in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry skills and Image J are strongly desired.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background investigation.

Physical Capabilities

• 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; carrying of light and moderately heavy laboratory equipment, occasional work in 4/39 cold room.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• May involve working with biohazardous materials.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$28.84. Actual hourly pay 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.