HJF Postdoctoral Research Fellow - COVID-19

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - COVID-19

Updated: March 16, 2020

Job ID: 215783

Status: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Location: Silver Spring, MD, United States

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow - COVID-19 to support the Emerging Infectious Disease Branch (EIDB), located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to EIDB.

The incumbent will be responsible for initiating and carrying out scientific projects on the role of humoral immunity in coronavirus infection and vaccine development in support of the goals and objectives under the supervision of senior scientists. The position involves developing immunogenicity assays to evaluate antibody responses specific to SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the current Covid-19 outbreak. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for isolating and characterizing of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from infected or vaccinated subjects. The mAbs will be studied for the ability to bind and neutralize coronaviruses using high throughput methods and identified targets may be exploited in vaccine design. The incumbent will work within a multidisciplinary environment consisting of military, government, academic, and international collaborators.

Responsibilities: 

• Utilizes high-throughput robotic methods to characterize neutralization and binding capabilities to a panel of coronaviruses and respective antigens.

• Sorts and cultures human B cells, utilizes high-throughput molecular techniques for the amplification and cloning of antibody heavy and light chains.

• Utilizes molecular biology, protein purification, and cell culture methods to clone, express, and purify antigens and mAbs. 

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts independent scientific research on outlined objectives.

• Designs, develops, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data quality and integrity,

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; presents data at scientific meetings.

• Develops a thorough understanding of the scientific literature relating to the research topics.

• Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed inventory and records of experiments by maintaining up to date, clear, and accurate laboratory notebooks

• Assists with training laboratory staff as needed and collaborates with scientists within and outside of WRAIR.

• Follows all WRAIR safety procedures and completes required training in a timely manner; Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes workplace safety.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology and antibody interactions. Has some knowledge relating to analyzing sequences of B cell receptors and monoclonal antibodies. Experience with project planning, organization, implementation, and data analysis. Experience in presenting at scientific meetings and writing manuscripts for scientific journals. Ability to work comfortably in a biosafety level 2 laboratory with infected specimens. Good interpersonal skills.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology or related discipline.

Minimum Experience: 0-5 years of similar experience.

Physical Capabilities: Long periods of standing and sitting; intricate work with hands; carrying of light and moderately heavy laboratory equipment. Job performance requires movement around and between several laboratories, and long periods of sitting at laboratory bench. Fine motor coordination in manipulation of laboratory materials is essential.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: May provide guidance to laboratory staff.

Work Environment: Laboratory environment; will require working evenings and weekends. The incumbent will handle biohazardous materials including infectious lenti-, flavi- and coronaviruses, and be expected to practice safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

Background/Security: Must have lived in the U.S. 3 out of the past 5 years; eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/ Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

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, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

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