Join the HJF Team! 

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. 

HJF is seeking a Scientist I develop and conduct research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols. 

 This position will be in support of Military HIV Research Program. At the Laboratory of Adjuvants and Antigen Research, the incumbent will develop, design, and conduct pre-clinical research projects pertaining to HIV, COVID, and other infectious diseases as applicable. Works independently to investigate the humoral, cellular, and functional immune responses generated with vaccines containing Army Liposome Formulations (ALF) using state-of-the art techniques. Stays current with the literature, analyses the data, publishes peer-reviewed scientific papers, and assists with funding applications, and works as a team member to conduct vaccine related studies. Analyzes the data, write manuscripts, presents results at meetings, and meets with the supervisor and dept. chief on a regular basis to discuss the results and plan future experiments. https://www.hivresearch.org/our-team/mangala-rao-phd

• Formulates experimental hypotheses, designs, develops protocols and conducts studies pertaining to COVID vaccine immunogenicity and functional studies including flow cytometry and cytokine analysis.
• Designs, develops protocols and executes cellular and functional studies pertaining to HIV vaccine immunogenicity and cure studies including studies in humanized mice to include flow cytometry and cytokine analysis.
• Develops flow cytometry panels for mouse, nonhuman primates, and human samples. Processes and interprets experimental data. Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional standards..
• Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and presents results at internal and external meetings/conferences.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications as needed.
• Trains and supervises laboratory technicians and/or students, as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques
• Excellent communication skills in written and verbal English
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures
• Ability to work independently and supervise others
• Possess knowledge and extensive experience in humoral and cellular immunology, sterile tissue and cell culture, flow cytometry, immunological assays, biochemical techniques
• Be well versed in relevant literature

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Work Environment  

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

Education and Experience 

• Doctorate Degree required.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

All 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)