Postdoctoral Fellow - DCB

• Design, develop, evaluate and implement molecular, serological, and sequencing diagnostic assays to include Real-Time, Digital Droplet PCR, next generation systems for detection and/or quantification of infectious pathogens in a variety of specimen matrices.
• Establish documentation for, e.g., Standard Operation Procedures, work instructions, etc... for laboratory developed and optimized assays at a highly documented level to transition the assays into a clinical setting.
• Assist in validation and verification performance of developed assays to meet regulatory compliance for testing of human biological specimens that are used to inform patient management or end point analyses for clinical research studies.
• Optimize nucleic acid extraction from various samples, amplification and detection procedures as required to achieve desired sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of assay performance.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction, characterization and troubleshoot performance issues.
• Investigate diverse specimen matrices for screening/confirmation assays; investigate specimen preservation methods for sample integrity.
• Provides testing support to DCB collaborators as required.
• Coordinate implementation of new initiatives and research projects with senior leadership and technical staff within DCB.
• Assist with intramural and extramural applications for programmatic funding and grants proposals.
• Prepare written reports, abstracts for submission to scientific conferences, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications and participate in DCB and WRAIR meetings and seminars.
• Completes all WRAIR safety, HIPPA, CITI and other required training within specified time frames.
• Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who is responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will be in support of the Research, Assessment and Development (RAD) laboratory in the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), within the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The incumbent will be responsible for the development, validation, evaluation, and implementation of molecular assays and next generation sequencing for use in the detection and quantification of pathogens of US Military and National interest. The incumbent will be a part of a dynamic scientific team to develop and improve diagnostic assays exploring novel ideas and approaches to detect infectious agents. Adapt existing assays, improving performance, specificity/sensitivity and detection and quantification of pathogens of clinical and clinical research significance. The incumbent will be expected to apply molecular biology techniques, next generation sequencing techniques, scientific principles, and concepts to support clinical research initiatives and develop improved diagnostic assays. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment consisting of US Military, US Government, academic, and international collaborators.

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.