Scientist - Dr. Rivas

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Scientist I 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.

This position is in support of Combat Wounds Infection Division at the Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD. The Scientist I performs independent research including projects relating to the research and development of antimicrobial products (e.g., biologics, small molecules, bacteriophages, dressing, irrigation solutions) to prevent and/or treat wound infections and associated complications. The Scientist I will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and associated troubleshooting.

Serve as subject-manner expert and as advisor member of a multi‑disciplinary team of microbiologists, molecular biologists, immunologists and clinical researchers focused on the development of antimicrobials against bacteria wound pathogens in preclinical, military‑relevant infection models and conduct research projects.

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.

• Design genetic constructs including but not limited to plasmids for the expression and purification of recombinant bacterial proteins from different wound infection pathogens (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and other ESKAPEE as needed.
• Design different constructs for the expression of the bacteriophage endolysins and other peptidoglycan‑degrading enzymes including, but not limited to plasmids, mRNA platforms.
• Develop and maintain assays for eukaryotic cell line and tissue cultures.
• Conduct in vitro evaluation of antimicrobials including but not limited to MIC, time kill assays. Will test promising antimicrobials on multiple clinically relevant strains to assess broad range.
• Assist with bacterial genetics and molecular biology aspects of different projects.
• Develop necessary new technologies and protocols that will involve specialized procedures including but not limited to DNA cloning and sequencing, protein expression and purification (small scale), mRNA expression platform. Instruct laboratory personnel on the application of these technologies and protocols.
• Provide support to in vivo evaluation of antimicrobials, as needed.
• Process and interpret experimental data. Present data in technical reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Train and supervise of technical staff (1 - 3 technician(s))
• Coordinate with other technical and professional staff, contribute to strategic planning of research agenda, and foster intramural and external collaborations that are responsive to program and mission requirements.
• Prepare funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
• Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications.
• Develop and submit extramural funding proposals in support of mission requirements
• Train and supervise laboratory technical staff
• 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.

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

• Doctorate Degree in a science related field required.
• Minimum of…