Research Assistant I - CPDR

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant I to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Assistant I provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves less complex problems in carrying out research projects in a laboratory environment.

This position will be in support of the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) within the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) located at the Rockledge Offices in Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to the MCCRP and CPDR.

The Su laboratory - https://sites.google.com/usuhs.edu/cpdr/research/labs/su-lab at the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant with strong interests in translational cancer research to join a dynamic research team. Dr. Su has adjunct appointments and close collaborations with National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Walter Reed Hospital and Uniformed Services University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The lab focuses on how genomic instability and tumor-specific aneuploidy influences prostate cancer development. Current lab projects focus on identifying novel aneuploidy-associated gene candidates in driving the proliferation and progression in cancers and elucidating relevant molecular mechanisms in the field of (but not limited to) DNA damage repair, genomic instability, cancer metabolism and cancer immunology. The Su lab is using multi-modal datasets including single-cell RNA/ATAC sequencing, single-cell DNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics and epigenomics to interrogate these questions with hope to provide therapeutic implications for treating aggressive cancer types. The overarching goal of these studies is to provide implications for novel therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.

The Research Assistant I will be responsible for carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team consisting of scientific and clinical investigators. Candidates should have interests in molecular biology and in identifying novel biomarkers in prostate cancer.

Career building opportunities include development of scientific presentation, technical research skills, experimental design, and writing skills.

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.

• Performs research projects, including the collection and organization of data. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Performs data entry in accurate, timely, and efficient manner. Maintains clear and accurate data collection records and inventories in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Maintains supplies in the laboratory and ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with Good Clinical and/or Good Laboratory practices.
• Creates, collects, disseminates, and maintains appropriate study data.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Creates and communicates detailed observations on experiments.
• 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

• Bachelor's Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required; 1 year preferably in technical services.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Performs duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator including experimental design, ability to analyze data, and interpret results.
• The laboratory works with cell culture, human datasets, genomic, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic, and proteomic studies to explore cancer related signal transduction pathways.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques, basic computational and bioinformatics knowledge, ability to follow detailed instructions, good communication, and analytical skills are required.
• Background in cancer cell biology/models, computational biology, cell culture work, molecular biology, or biochemistry is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33 - $23.08 . 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.