Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking Research Assistant(s) responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. The Research Assistant(s) will be responsible for supporting and carrying out groundbreaking research projects within a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of postdoctoral fellows, scientific investigators, and clinical leaders. Candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, genetics, or biology. Knowledge of in vitro cell culture models, genetic modifications (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR), DNA damage repair, immunoassays (multiplex ELISA) is preferred. Experience in basic statistical and bioinformatics analysis (using R or Python) and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics) is desirable.
Career building opportunities include development of scientific writing, presentation, and leadership and management skills in a collaborative research environment. Opportunities will be available for training in the application of emerging technologies and to present research findings at intramural, national, and international meetings.

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.

Available positions will be in support of Cancer Moonshot funded research projects at the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP) Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR). Multiple Research Assistant I/II positions are immediately available within the laboratories of Dr. Ayesha Shafi, Dr. Cara Schafer, and Dr. Shyh-Han Tan. We are seeking highly motivated individuals to fill several Research Assistant positions to join our dynamic team in an interdisciplinary setting. Projects aim to investigate the impact of environmental exposure on the initiation and progression of prostate cancer.

The research projects, which aim to elucidate the impact of circadian disruption, immunological alterations, and the rewiring of metabolic components in response to environmental exposures in patients by using biospecimens, are as follows:
  1) Profile hormonal and metabolic indicators of diurnal cycle or sleep disruption and elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of circadian dysfunction impacting prostate cancer.
  2) Define the signatures of exposure to environmental carcinogens and xenobiotic compounds that alter the genomic, proteomic, and metabolic landscape of prostate cancer patients.
  3) Characterize the immunologic status (chemokines and cytokines in the serum) and the lymphocyte repertoire in the development of prostate cancer and in response to environmental exposures.

About CPDR:

CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational prostate cancer research program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Department of Surgery and the John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Established in 1992 (Public Law 102-172), CPDR's mission is fulfilled primarily through its three principal programs: (1) the Clinical Translational Research Center; (2) the Basic Science Research Program, and (3) the Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database to encompass its clinical research work with participating military medical centers. 

Please click here to learn more about CPDR.

• Assist in designing, developing, executing experimental protocols, which involves specialized procedures, including DNA/RNA/protein isolation, and other high-throughput assays.
• Process samples, conduct experiments, collect data and maintain detailed electronic records of experiments.
• Assist in the compilation of research data and support data analysis using statistical and/or bioinformatics software.
• Prepare data for publications in scientific journals and for presentations at national conferences.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• 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.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Perform duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
• Ability to analyze data and interpret results.
• Candidate should have relevant knowledge of molecular biology.
• Prior laboratory experience, particularly with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput assays and working with cell culture models.
• Familiarity with basic statistical, bioinformatics, and data analysis software.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• A keen interest in cancer research and environmental health.

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may 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.