Molecular Biology Lead Technician

Overview

Join the Molecular Biology Lead Technician role at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). This position supports United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services at Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, contributing to biodefense and infectious disease research.

Responsibilities

• The Contractor shall work on automation equipment that can handle and process high numbers of samples such as Hamilton STAR and King Fisher liquid handlers. Perform purification of nucleic acids from inactivated viral cultures, animal tissues and human subject blood. Assist with design and performing nucleic acid-based assays for tissue culture and / or animal tissue samples.
• Conduct research in next generation sequencing (NGS) including Illumina platforms (iSeq, MiniSeq, MiSeq, NextSeq 2000 and NovaSeq 6000) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (MinION and GridION). Perform nucleic acid extraction, bioanalysis, and quantitation, conventional PCR and qPCR, manual and automated library preparation including RNAseq and DNAseq, and DNA size selection and fractionation including SAGE ELF and BluePippin. Execute molecular biology workflows including cloning, primer design, Gibson Assembly, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, site-directed mutagenesis, in vitro transcription, and reverse transcription.
• Operate and analyze data from equipment such as Western Blot systems, DNA fragmentation tools, Real-Time PCR systems, and QC instruments (NanoDrop 8000, Qubit 3.0, Agilent TapeStation). Maintain mammalian cell cultures (primary and secondary) in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 as required.
• Evaluate effects of pathogen infection on the host using RNAseq protocols (bulk, targeted, single cell or spatial) to identify deregulated signaling pathways and explore therapeutic strategies. Assess pathogen genomics including whole genome sequencing.
• Support animal studies as needed by assisting with the collection and processing of animal specimens; perform immunological assays such as ELISA, Western blot, Flow Cytometry, and RNA / DNA sequencing as part of analyses.
• Train new employees, ensure SOPs are followed, record deviations, and observe safety procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts; present results in written and oral formats as requested.
• Write and review standard operating procedures (SOPs), capture forms, and supporting documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Well-Documented (WD) study regulations.
• Assess and maintain laboratory supplies; inventory and coordinate supply orders; ensure assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with regulatory guidance.
• Communicate experimental data and work-related issues to the PI or TPOC; coordinate with internal maintenance or external vendors for support and troubleshooting.
• Maintain an orderly laboratory environment; manage equipment, specimen and reagent inventories; maintain a safe and professional workspace.
• Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning of main areas, benches and biosafety cabinets; dispose of waste and packaging material appropriately.
• Serve as a lab manager for weekly and monthly cleaning and maintenance; test emergency showers and eye washes; flush laboratory drains; participate in instrument washes and maintenance.
• Maintain laboratory records, document sample processing, protocol usage, and data management in line with CGS and Institutional requirements to ensure continuity and shared resources.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all assigned spaces; participate in decontamination; coordinate instrument maintenance with USAMRIID staff and vendors as needed. Cross-train to provide laboratory technical support across the Molecular Biology Division; may require travel (~1–2 times / year) CONUS or OCONUS.
• May be required to present work, attend meetings and training.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Physical Capabilities

Work Environment

Compensation

Benefits

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and related verifications as required. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals With Disabilities. See policy on pay disclosures and related protections as applicable by law.

Note : This description contains the essential duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The content is faithful to the original role but without extraneous postings or unrelated content.

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