Bioinformatics Research Associate III - Viral Diseases

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Bioinformatics Research Associate III to contribute to advancing viral disease research and surveillance efforts at the Global Infectious Diseases (Global ID) Viral Genomics & Bioinformatics Department and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), This position will lead a complex data analysis project, develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines, and conduct advanced statistical and viral evolutionary analyses. The successful candidate will serve as a mentor to junior bioinformaticians and contribute to manuscript preparation. This position reports to the Lead, Viral Genomics and Bioinformatics.

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.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., Illumina, Nanopore) generated from viral pathogens.
• Conduct advanced statistical and population genetics analyses to investigate viral evolution, transmission dynamics, and inform medical countermeasure studies (vaccines and therapeutics).
• Develop and implement novel algorithms and approaches for analyzing complex genomic datasets.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in bioinformatics, providing guidance and support to other team members and collaborators.
• Mentor and train junior bioinformaticians in bioinformatics techniques and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and scientific manuscripts.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Stay current with the latest advances in bioinformatics, genomics, and infectious disease research.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance research goals.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., NCBI, GISAID, BV-BRC, NextStrain).
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R, etc.).
• Strong statistical and mathematical skills.
• Experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Deep understanding of genomic epidemiology and evolutionary biology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex data analysis projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with viral genomic data.
• Experience with machine learning techniques.
• Experience in a government or military research environment.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $88,600-100,000. 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.