Scientist I (Translational Therapeutics; Traumatic Brain Injury)

Join the HJF Team!

This Scientist I position will support the Translational Therapeutics Core the Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (MTBI2 ) in the School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. This investigator will be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team, under the direction of Dr. Regina Armstrong, Chair of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics within the School of Medicine. The person selected for this position will conduct research in experimental models to screen therapies to promote regeneration and plasticity to protect against neurodegeneration and chronic symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and related clinical conditions.

The position is with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). 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.

This position will be located in the School of Medicine in the Translational Therapeutics Core of the Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (MTBI2 ) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The research team values a collaborative environment that supports diverse team members conducting multi-disciplinary research. We are examining therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluating candidate therapeutics for repurposing to TBI as a new clinical indication. Strong applicants will be able to bring expertise in molecular profiling and pathway analyses and/or electrophysiology to complement our ongoing transcriptomic, neuropathological, biochemical, behavioral and neuroimaging approaches for research in acute stage therapeutics in experimental models of TBI. 

Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years. 

  Responsibilities

• Conducts experiments in mouse models using cutting edge techniques for molecular pathway analyses of cellular responses to acute injury and during neurodegeneration, and the effects of candidate therapeutics to protect axons and promote regeneration and plasticity.
• Performs highly skilled and specialized laboratory research utilizing and designing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as sleep behavior and electrophysiological (ex vivo slice recordings and/or EEG/EMG) studies, animal injections, and stereotaxic surgery. 
• Formulates experimental hypotheses, designs, and executes experimental protocols. 
• Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards. Analyzes and interprets experimental data, including statistical analyses.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications. 
• Trains and supervises laboratory technicians, as needed. 
• Prepares written reports and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals. 
• 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.

  Qualifications

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Depending upon specific study requirements, evening, holiday, or weekend work may occasionally be required.
• Partial telework opportunities may be included.

Education and Experience

• Doctorate or equivalent degree required for this position.  Preferred field of study is Neuroscience or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 2-5 years required 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Laboratory and animal research experience required.
• Experience with analyses of molecular profiling and pathway analysis of cellular responses is beneficial.
• Experience with electrophysiology (ex vivo slice techniques, EEG/EMG or other forms) is beneficial.
• Experience with traumatic brain injury or other neurological diseases is beneficial.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

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.