Research Assistant II or III - Military HIV Research Program 

Join the HJF Team.

HJF is seeking a Research Assistant II or III to support the Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to MHRP.

Main responsibilities will include the setup and maintenance of the BD FACS Symphony A5 Cytometer, as well as providing cell sorting support for both the BD FACS Aria and BD FACS Melody. Responsible for the maintenance of flow cytometers in the Flow Cytometry Core. Be available to assist other MHRP personnel with operating the cytometers. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and may be involved with research and/or development in collaboration other groups.

Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for operation of BD FACS Symphony A5 Cytometer, to include extensive optimization, troubleshooting, maintenance, etc. Will work closely with supervisor and manufacturer support to ensure optimal performance.
2. Provide cells sorting support with both the BD FACS Aria and BD FACS Melody cell sorters. Will also assist in training new users to sort independently using the BD FACS Melody.
3. Responsible for daily set up of cytometers, (LSRII’s, FACSAria and FACSCalibur), evaluation of cytometer performance, troubleshooting and maintenance of cytometers. Liaise with manufacturer to ensure the optimal performance of all instrumentation including coordination of preventative and corrective maintenance as required.
4. Monitor the Cytometer sign up calendar and coordinate times if necessary to ensure that cytometers are available for use by other MHRP personnel. Be able to assist other MHRP personnel with any queries about the cytometers and general flow cytometry questions.
5. Make sure that the supervisor is aware of any issues/problems with the cytometers, the sign up calendar and other users.
6. Performs laboratory assays, including collection and organization of data. Makes detailed observations about experiments. Provides basic data analysis and interpretation, as directed by supervisor. Trains junior employees on lab techniques.
7. Take the lead on maintaining reagent and consumable supplies needed to conduct laboratory operations. Facilitate the necessary administrative and logistic processes to order and receive materials. Keep up antibody database and track reagents leveraged by other MHRP personnel.
8. Prepares technical reports, summaries, and protocols. Maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, inventories and logbooks.
9. Maintains compliance with established laboratory safety and other procedures. Provides leadership in the proper disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
10. Provides quality control, trouble-shooting and the maintenance of specialized reagents and equipment.
11. Trains and provides technical assistance to MHRP staff using flow cytometers.
12. Ensures general lab chores are completed. Maintains supplies in the laboratory and keep the laboratory area clean and safe.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of and experience with flow cytometry and standard/advanced laboratory techniques; ability to follow general instructions; good communication and analytical skills.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree is required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements:

1. Level II: 3-5 years of laboratory flow cytometry experience required.
2. Level III: 6-8 years of laboratory flow cytometry experience required.

Physical Capabilities: Long periods of standing and sitting; handling various chemicals.

Work Environment: Set in a laboratory work environment.

Background/Security: Must have lived in the U.S. 3 out of the past 5 years; eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/ Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

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, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Candidates may apply directly to the position via this link: