Postdoctoral Fellow - AFRRI

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who is responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will support Dr. Wanchang Cui's research programs in Radiation Biodosimetry, Radiation Countermeasure, and Radiation Combined Injury at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Uniformed Services University (USUHS), in Bethesda, MD.

AFRRI's mission is to defend the Nation from nuclear and radiological threats through research on the biological effects of ionizing radiation and the development of medical countermeasures. The postdoctoral fellow will investigate biomarkers of radiation exposure and injury and evaluate candidate countermeasures for radiation injury alone and in combination with other forms of trauma. Studies will use relevant in vitro and in vivo models and may involve animal treatment, molecular, cellular, histological, and histochemical approaches.

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.

This position is scheduled for one year with the potential to extend pending additional funding.

• Conducts in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate biomarkers of radiation exposure and injury and to evaluate candidate radiation medical countermeasures.
• Performs experimental procedures involving laboratory animals (mice), including animal handling, administration of treatments, blood collection, tissue collection, and related sample processing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
• Applies molecular and cellular biology techniques, and performs and analyzes histological and histochemical assays to characterize tissue injury and responses to radiation and other forms of trauma.
• Maintains accurate and complete laboratory records, experimental protocols and research documentation in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Compiles, analyzes, interprets, and documents experimental data using appropriate statistical, computational, and data analysis tools, including Microsoft Excel and relevant biomedical research databases.
• Contributes to the development of manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other scientific communications based on research findings.
• 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

• Doctoral degree required, biology related field highly preferred.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Knowledge of molecular and cell biology and related laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in DNA and RNA extraction and purification, quantitative PCR and RT-PCR analysis of DNA, RNA, and microRNA transcripts, mammalian cell culture, and protein analysis. Including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, cytokine assays, and ELISA.
• Experience with flow cytometry or organoid culture is desirable.
• Must have experience with laboratory animal handling (mice), including injections, blood collection, and tissue collection.
• Ability to use public biomedical research databases and standard software, including Microsoft Excel, for data compilation and analysis.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and document research data and maintain accurate research records and laboratory SOPs in accordance with established requirements.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn new experimental and analytical techniques, including emerging approaches involving artificial intelligence (AI) and computational tools.
• Ability to obtain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in the lab for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$70,000. 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.