Molecular Laboratory Technologist

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Molecular Laboratory Technologist to perform basic to intermediate laboratory procedures. Assists and supports supervisors with testing and experiments in various areas of a laboratory as needed. Uses some judgement to define and resolve problems and make recommendations.

This position will be in support of the Multidrug Resistant Organism Repository & Surveillance Network (MRSN). The MRSN Team within the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), is located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).

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.

• The participant will learn and develop molecular biology laboratory techniques required for the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of multidrug-resistant bacterial species in order to perform drug-resistance surveillance within the DOD network.
• Perform hands-on laboratory experience using multiple WGS platforms, including the Illumina MiSeq/NextSeq and the Oxford Nanopore MinION.
• The participant will be exposed to clinical assays to phenotypically characterize drug-resistant bacterial species and molecular biology techniques to further study the molecular mechanisms of resistance.
• Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will greatly enhance their knowledge of bacterial infections and obtain a greater understanding of bacterial epidemiology and how bacteria spread from person-to-person in a hospital environment.
• The participant will also gain invaluable experience with whole genome sequencing (WGS) techniques, one of the most important technologies in use today.
• The participant will learn how to extract bacterial DNA, prepare high-quality sequencing libraries, and how to operate a multitude of WGS instruments. This will also be complemented by gaining a greater understanding of bacterial culturing techniques, nucleic acid extraction techniques, and how to test for antibiotic resistance.
• 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

• Associate's Degree, Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of and skill in laboratory technique and handling biological and chemical hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• Excellent laboratory and technical skills. Ability to work independently once trained, excellent record keeping ability, excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to identify areas for process improvement for better efficiency.
• 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 annual hourly pay range for this position is $20.99-$30.05. 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

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