Research Associate II - Entomology

• Conducts research in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff.
• Performs complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Assist with cryopreservation of human RBCs, inventory updates, and preparation (thaw) for use in vitro studies with BLS-2 pathogens and mosquito infections.
• Assist with cultivation of malaria parasites (in vitro) and maintain healthy lab-reared mosquitoes (following available SOPs) to support infection studies with BSL-2 pathogens (i.e., malaria parasites) and other vector-based research studies.
• Work with certified human blood products for use in parasite-vector research in the absence of animal protocol to sustain mosquito colonization.
• Prepare mosquitoes for infectious feeds and infect vectors using appropriate feeding devices, direct animal feeds (if available), or injection methods (depending on the pathogen).
• Harvest mosquito tissues (midgut and salivary glands) and collect expectorated mosquito saliva from uninfected and BSL-2 infected mosquitoes for subsequent analysis.
• Collect and organize laboratory data, provide data summaries, troubleshoot, and provide job-related progress reports/technical reports, as requested.
• Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation, and verifies and corrects data entry.
• Assist with recordkeeping, inventory of laboratory supplies, equipment and reagents.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory reagents, equipment, biological materials and other materials pertaining to experiment execution and laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• 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.

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

This position will be in support of One Health Vector Diagnostic Section, Entomology Branch at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD. This role will support the development of a novel strategy to cultivate Plasmodium falciparum parasites able to sustain high mosquito infections.

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.