Research Assistant #215283
Join the HJF Team!
HJF is seeking a Research Assistant support the US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) located at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to MHRP.
The incumbent is responsible for research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff and provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff. Work will involve contemporary and emerging technologies to analyze humoral cell immunology in the state-of-the-art laboratories at MHRP. Work will also involve developing experiments with new tools in cellular biology, immunology and virology, to collect, analyze, and communicate data. Studies will involve expertise in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, tissue culture, virus growth and purification, flow cytometry, and HIV-1 infection assays.
Responsibilities:
- Plans, conducts, and completes investigations under the supervision of the head of the laboratory. Makes detailed observations about experiments, records all experiments performed, maintains clear and accurate laboratory records, analyzes the results, and presents the results at regular department meetings.
- Performs independently, measurement of antigen-specific antibodies in clinical and preclinical samples by ELISA and other immunological methods. Analyses the results and prepares graphs.
- Processes leucopaks, isolates cells from PBMCs, sets up cultures, and infects in vitro cultures with HIV-1.
- Performs flow cytometry, assists in integrin-binding inhibition assays, and other immunological assays, and analyzes the data.
- Grows and purifies primary HIV-1, pseudovirus, and infectious molecular clones, determines the p24 concentration and infectious units of the virus.
- Troubleshoots and develops new methods and procedures for experiments and investigations.
- Performs general laboratory duties including preparation of media and buffers, maintains cell lines, orders and inventories supplies, keeps the laboratory area clean, and conducts weekly laboratory safety checks.
- Assists in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
- Assists in handling small animals (mice and rabbits) to include immunizations, bleedings and collection of organs when needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of standard laboratory and immunological techniques; knowledge of ELISA, basic flow cytometry and use of the software, knowledge of isolation of primary cells, tissue culture, ability to follow detailed instructions; good communication and analytical skills, basic computer skills, and ability to meet deadlines of projects.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
Minimum Experience: 0 to 2 years directly related research experience.
Physical Capabilities: Long periods of standing and sitting; handling various chemicals.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: The incumbent acts under the direction of the laboratory PI or a senior scientist in the lab and may supervise students if needed.
Work Environment: Laboratory setting, exposure to animals, exposure to blood borne pathogens including HIV.
Background: Must have lived in the US 3 out of the past 5 years; eligible to pass a NACI background.
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.
HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.