Senior Research Associate - Viral Diseases

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics targeting military-relevant infectious diseases, including flaviviruses (e.g., DENV, ZIKV, JEV, WNW, YFV), malaria, and other emerging or neglected pathogens. The selected candidate will play a key role in designing and executing both efficacy and toxicity testing using advanced in vitro models to help identify and prioritize promising compounds for further development.

This position will be in support of the Global Infectious Diseases (Global ID) Integrated Pathogen Therapeutics (IPT) Department at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Viral Diseases Program (VDP).

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.

• Develop and perform high-throughput, cell-based phenotypic assays (96- and 384-well formats) to assess antiviral and antiparasitic activity.
• Independently carry out developing, optimizing, validating and performing in vitro models in various microbial species and cell cultures for various therapeutic areas.
• Participation in project planning (goals, timelines, and resource management) and ensure achievement of the project goals in a timely manner.
• Independently prepare or assist with drafting in vitro study reports, manuscripts, presentations, posters, and/or proposals.
• Conduct in vitro toxicity profiling using multiple human and animal cell lines to evaluate compound cytotoxicity and therapeutic index.
• Utilize relevant in vitro models for off-target toxicity and safety evaluation.
• Support assay optimization, automation, and quality control to ensure reproducibility and robustness of screening workflows.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets from efficacy and toxicity studies using standard bioinformatics and statistical tools.
• Supervises the work of assigned laboratory staff, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Analyzes and prepares reagent and/or assay product documentation.
• May attend and present at relevant national scientific conference.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree required.
• Minimum of 9-10 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of extremely complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Proficient in performing cell culture, to include but limited to immunofluorescent imaging techniques, and high throughput phenotypic screening models.
• Capable (but not required) of independently developing, drafting and submitting research proposals.
• Drug compound preparation and drug plate design/generation, mosquito dissection, and robotic liquid handling, as indicated by PI.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $88,600-$105,00. Actual salary 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.