Research Scientist II - Diagnostic Research Laboratory

• Design, conduct, and manage independent and collaborative research projects to support the unit's human and animal research programs.
• Utilize advanced molecular and multi-omic laboratory technologies to support unit studies and precision medicine initiatives (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing, advanced PCR, LC/MS, flow cytometry, cell culture, and histological processing).
• Independently design, optimize, and validate novel assays for molecular and microbiological translational studies.
• Monitor scientific literature, formulate experimental hypotheses, design experimental protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical training, mentorship, and scientific guidance to junior staff, GME residents, and support staff on study design, proposal preparation, and experimental execution.
• Process and interpret experimental data, maintain detailed workbook/documentation, and ensure documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
• Collaborate with clinical and basic science researchers to translate research findings into applications.
• Coordinate and prepare written reports, manuscripts, and peer-reviewed papers for scientific journal publication, patent applications, and grant/funding submissions.
• Create and present abstracts and posters at scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with Office of Human Research Protection standards, federal regulatory agencies, and facilitate strict adherence to safety and quality control protocol.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Scientist II to serve as a senior scientific investigator and educator supporting the academic, research, and service missions of the Clinical Investigation Facility. The incumbent will conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to graduate-level education, mentor medical residents and diverse scientific staff, and support unit research and scholarly activities. This position requires scientific leadership, independent judgment, and expertise in advanced molecular technologies and assay development for precision medicine and translational research applications.

This position supports the Clinical Investigation Facility's (CIF) Diagnostic Research Laboratory at Travis AFB, CA. The CIF is a premier research and training facility dedicated to supporting Graduate Medical Education (GME) and advancing military medical readiness. Operating within a state-of-the-art David Grant Medical Center, the CIF Diagnostic Research Laboratory supports a diverse portfolio of human and animal studies designed to advance benchtop discoveries into clinical solutions that address critical Department of War (DoW) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) operational capability gaps.

This role will lead, design, develop, and optimize novel diagnostic assays to drive innovative basic and translational science projects. The successful candidate will be a scientist who can work independently, apply existing expertise with new laboratory technologies to address diverse research questions, guide multidisciplinary teams, and train junior staff.

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.