Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Specimen Processing Technician I to perform laboratory procedures to assist supervisors with various testing, assays, and experiments. Provides support in various areas of a laboratory as needed. Complies with laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans and procedures. This is a Monday through Friday work schedule with Saturday rotation.

This position will be in support of Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB)/HIV Diagnostics and Reference Laboratory (HDRL)/Specimen Processing. The incumbent is responsible for specimen processing in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited HIV Diagnostics and Reference Laboratory (HDRL), Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).  The incumbent will perform standardized procedures in strict accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) and accrediting agencies to include the CAP and the FDA.

Please click here to learn more about DCB.

 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.

Note: This site requires that non U.S. Citizens reside in the United States for three of the five recent years. 

• Receives shipments/specimens from couriers, inventories specimens, and documents the receipt of the samples in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Properly identifies specimens that do not follow the proper submission criteria described in the Specimen Processing SOP, and properly documents and reports any issues to the Specimen Processing Supervisor and Laboratory Office Manager for follow up.
• Ensures the proper handling of specimens in accordance with assigned SOPs including, but not limited to, proper data entry, specimen handling, storage and aliquoting of the specimens.
• Verifies patient information and accessions specimens in accordance with department SOPs with a high level of accuracy and precision.
• Delivers samples to the appropriate testing laboratories in a timely and appropriate fashion.
• Prepares aliquots and/or specimen materials for transfer to outside laboratories and agencies.
• Tracks laboratory supplies that are pertinent to the specimen processing department and assists other departments as required.
• Ships back empty shipping containers to clinical and/or military sites.
• Supports clinical testing activities and data entry in high throughput Serological/Molecular laboratory sections.
• Performs specimen storage, retrieval, inventory, and disposal activities.
• Performs general laboratory instrument operations and maintenance activities.
• Responsible for performing assigned tasks in accordance with applicable safety regulations and instructions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree required, Bachelors degree in Biology/Chemistry preferred.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent laboratory, technical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently once trained and maintains excellent records with a keen attention to detail.
• Laboratory experience preferred.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check. 

Work Environment

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

Physical Capabilities 

• Job performance requires the ability to move around and between several laboratory areas.
• Fine motor coordination in manipulation of laboratory materials is essential.
• The individual must be able to stand and/or sit for lengthy periods to include, but not limited to, processing of specimens, operation of instrumentation, and data analysis at a computer terminal.
• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 50 lbs.

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.

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.