Research Assistant II or III - Office of the Vice President for Research
Join the HJF Team!
HJF is seeking a Research Assistant II or III to support the Flow Cytometry Core Facility of the Biomedical Instrumentation Center (BIC) for the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) located at the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to VPR.
Incumbent is expected to be a part of the BIC team of highly trained specialists and serve university's scientific community by providing technical support and expertise in the area of flow cytometry. Incumbent is responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, administrative support regarding scheduling, communication with researchers, data management, and general lab maintenance.
Responsibilities:
- Provides flow cytometry support to investigators, technical personnel, and students authorized to use the BIC core facilities. Assists the BIC Flow Cytometry Core Director with day-to-day management and administration of the flow cytometry facility. Provides expertise in cell analysis, cell sorting, and data analysis for basic and clinical research. Provides superior services, and training to users of the flow cytometry facility. Applies, adapts, and modifies a wide range of methods, procedures, and techniques to accomplish assigned work. Assists users with the development of experimental protocols, aids in data acquisition and interpretation. (45%)
- Responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of flow cytometry facility instrumentation. Independently performs established QC procedures and troubleshoots minor instrument problems. Contacts and coordinates with service technicians for instrument preventive maintenance and repairs. (15%)
- Responsible for the proper scheduling of instrument usage and accurate billing for products, services, and training. Maintains BIC and flow cytometry laboratory supply. Properly collects biohazardous and chemical waste products and coordinates with EHS for their safe removal. (15%)
- Remains abreast of new developments in flow cytometry and acquires familiarization with new instrumentation and technical advances. Reviews and critiques current flow cytometry research and attends courses and training sessions to acquire new skills and refine techniques. (15%)
- Performs other assigned duties. (10%)
- 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.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Mastery of the principles and theories of flow cytometry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Skill in applying these principles and theories in order to resolve unique research problems, along with the ability to perform assignments which involve initiating, formulating, and planning. Expert technical skills in laboratory techniques of flow cytometry. Expertise in research data acquisition and analysis. Expertise in the operation of BD flow cytometry analyzers and cell sorters. Knowledge of the ImageStream, Seahorse, Bioplex and spectral cytometry is a plus. Expertise in the use of flow cytometry data analysis programs (FlowJo, FCS Express, BD FACSDiva ets.), as well as, instrument specific software is required. Strong skills in clear, correct, and concise verbal and written communication. Ability to communicate scientific principles and technical requirements to the user. Ability to skillfully resolve research, instrument, and user problems. Ability to schedule a wide range of user requirements to maximize productivity and minimize conflicts. Excellent interpersonal skills, such as listening, negotiating, managing, and advising users. Expert knowledge of appropriate precautions for handling biological and chemical hazards to ensure their safe use and disposal.
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree is required.
Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements:
- Level II: 3-5 years of relevant work experience is required.
- Level III: 6-8 years of relevant work experience is required.
Physical Capabilities: This position requires periods of standing, or sitting, moderate lifting of equipment and reagents (should be able to lift and carry up to 50lb weight on a regular basis), and above-average physical dexterity and fine motor skills to perform complex laboratory procedures.
Work Environment: Set in a laboratory work environment. Evening, holiday or weekend work is occasionally required.
Background/Security: Eligibility 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:
