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 with the research team of Dr. Regina Armstrong, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics within the School of Medicine. The scientist selected for this position will conduct laboratory research to build upon repurposing of CNS therapeutics that promote repair and plasticity for long term protection against neurodegeneration and chronic symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and related clinical conditions.

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 all team members to conduct cutting-edge multi-disciplinary research. Ongoing research projects combine approaches that include genome-wide spatial transcriptomic, neuropathological, biochemical/biomarker, behavioral and whole brain neuroimaging to elucidate novel therapeutic targets and explore in vivo mechanisms of candidate therapeutics. Outstanding applicants will bring expertise in molecular profiling and pathway analyses and/or electrophysiology (in vivo/ex vivo) to complement and build upon these ongoing research projects. Publications relevant to this position include PMID: 39127568, PMID: 37578550, and PMID: 35501931, which are available free of charge.

This scientist position (PI Dr. Armstrong) is research grant supported as an employee of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). 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.

• Formulates experimental hypotheses, designs, and executes experimental protocols.
• Makes scientific observations, maintains detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensures documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry/regulatory standards.
• Analyzes and interprets experimental data, including statistical analyses.
• Conducts experiments in experimental models using cutting edge techniques for molecular pathway analyses of cellular responses to acute injury and during neurodegeneration, and elucidate mechanisms of candidate therapeutics that protect axons and glial cells to promote white matter 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.
• Coordinates research plans with laboratory members and collaborators.
• Prepares presentations and disseminates research findings in seminars and conferences.
• Contributes to the planning and development of new grant and funding applications.
• Trains and supervises trainees and 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

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

Education and Experience

• Doctorate Degree required. Preferred field of study is Neuroscience or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent critical thinking and communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively 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 is required.

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.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $73,800-$97,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

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.