Postdoctoral Fellow

Overview Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to work in the Virology Laboratory of the Agile Vaccine & Therapeutics (AVAT) Department.

The incumbent will perform novel viral vaccine design and development as well as preclinical evaluation of the viral vaccine candidates to support the mission of the department, to develop agile vaccines and therapeutics against militarily relevant viral diseases. The incumbent will collaborate with scientists and principle investigators within Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC's) Defense Intelligence Diseases Directorate (DIDD) and the Department of Defense (DoD), academia and industry partners, in support of prophylactic and therapeutic evaluation of novel drug and vaccine candidates against emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. 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. Responsibilities Plan, conduct, and complete investigations independently. Assignments require the performance of complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches for production, purification, and characterization of novel vaccine candidates.

Prepare animal study protocols, obtain IACUC approval to evaluate various vaccine candidates in animal models, including mice and nonhuman primates. Work with the Laboratory Manager and provide scientific and technical guidance to the virology laboratory members in completing different projects in a timely manner. Trouble shoot assays and laboratory instruments.

Maintain organized laboratory records and notebooks as required.

Ensure data integrity, perform data analysis. Analyze, and interpret the results and data, and write the experimental results for presentation within NMRC, at scientific meetings/conferences and in technical reports and peer reviewed journals.

May be requested to attend and participate in required training for role. May include limited travel to attend seminars and required trainings. Prepare and submit grant proposals to different funding agencies.

Work with the laboratory manager in preparing and updating SOPs. Train and mentor technical staff, interns and college students as required. Assist in maintenance of laboratory inventories, laboratory equipment monitoring (ex.

Datatron monitoring freezers and CO2 incubators) and tracking preventive maintenance/repair service schedules of laboratory equipment. Assist in procurement of laboratory reagents, supplies and services. May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience Doctorate degree in microbiology, biochemistry, virology or a related discipline. Minimum of 0-5 years experience required. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Experience in cell culture, virus growth and harvest, RT-PCR, and serological assays including antibody and ELISPOT assays is required.

Experience working with Dengue virus, Influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 preferred. Experience working with mice and nonhuman primates is preferred. Prior experience working with viruses, vaccines, or vaccine development is a plus.

Working under BSL-3 containment may be required. Must have good written and oral communication and analytical skills. Ability to network and develop collaborations with scientists from other organizations and industry partners.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and cross-cultural skills and the ability to work with a team of 3 to 5 members. Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check is required.

Physical Capabilities Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs. Work Environment This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

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.