Research Assistant I - Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics

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 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 is the first of four levels within the Research Assistant series.

Serves as a Research Assistant I in the Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, to support the Kortum laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. Responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team.

The lab is working to determine the mechanisms that promote drug tolerant persister survival and identify biomarkers of tumor initiating cells that drive resistance to RTK-targeted therapies in RTK-mutated NSCLC.

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.

• Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing biochemical and cell biological experiments related to a new research projects assessing the role of WT RAS activation in RAS-mutated cancers.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
• Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures including: cell line generation using both viral vectors and CRISPR technology, cell culture, nucleic acid extraction/purification/transfection, growth factor stimulation, BRET, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, molecular cloning and site-directed mutagenesis, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, animal genetics and husbandry, and other techniques as needed/required by the laboratory.
• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments.
• Processes and interprets experimental data, and prepares accurate and timely research reports.
• Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
• Assists with training laboratory staff as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas and performs routine maintenance tasks on laboratory equipment.
• Perform flow cytometry to assess CSC markers in DTPs.
• Perform and analyze ssRNA sequencing.
• Acquire RTK-mutated NSCLC cell lines from ATCC.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques.
• Experience with use of personal computers for manuscript preparation and data analysis is essential. Additional training will be provided for advanced animal experimental techniques.
• Subject knowledge in biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Laboratory experience with competence in routine areas of modern cellular and molecular biology.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$21.75. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

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.