Associate Scientist - Center For Prostate Disease Research

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Associate Scientist that will be responsible for developing and supervising research projects and investigating the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. The incumbent will work in collaborative research environment alongside scientific and clinical investigators to initiate and carry out research projects.

This position will be in support of the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) within the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) located at the Rockledge Offices in Bethesda, Maryland. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support services to the MCCRP and CPDR.

The Cancer Epigenetics, Cell Plasticity and Therapeutics Laboratory led by Dr. Leigh Ellis at the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) is seeking a talented and motivated Associate Scientist with working knowledge of molecular biology, 3D organoid and in vivo modeling and basic knowledge of single cell omics and spatial profiling. This position provides excellent opportunities for continued scientific development and contributions at the interface between research and administration in a dynamic laboratory environment and larger interdisciplinary setting. The Ellis laboratory interests include the characterization of comprehensive molecular signatures, survival pathways and associated rational therapeutic targets in lethal prostate cancers, with a specific focus on epigenetics and phenotypic plasticity in both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, and their role in disease progression and therapeutic resistance. To achieve this, we generate and utilize novel genetically engineered mouse models, human and mouse 3D organoid cultures, therapeutics, functional genomics, and molecular and genomic approaches (including next generation sequencing platforms, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology).

About CPDR:
CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational prostate cancer research program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Department of Surgery and the John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Established in 1992 (Public Law 102-172), CPDR's mission is fulfilled primarily through its three principal programs: (1) the Clinical Translational Research Center; (2) the Basic Science Research Program, and (3) the Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database to encompass its clinical research work with participating military medical centers.

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.

• Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocol.
• Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
• Processes and interprets experimental data.
• May train and supervise technical staff.
• Coordinates with other technical and professional staff.
• Prepares funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• PhD required, biomedical sciences or related scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques. Background in cancer cell biology/models, molecular biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, and mouse models.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team of investigators and technical staff.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and may supervise others.
• Motivation and capability to lead team research projects as assigned by Principal Investigator supervision.
• Ability to meet project deadlines.
• Eligible to obtain the T1 public trust investigation in the future

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $57,650-$92,000. 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.