Research Associate II - Undersea Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Responsible for research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Responsible for operating and maintaining hyperbaric research equipment to include compression chambers, related piping systems, hi-pressure gas storage and handling equipment, to include air, oxygen, nitrogen and helium. Tasks will be performed as part of medical research protocols utilizing animals as test subjects. Shift work will be expected for continuous long-duration protocols lasting several days.

This position will be in support of the Undersea Medicine Department (UMD), within the Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate (OUMD), located at the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. UMD conducts biomedical and clinical research to increase the safety, readiness, and performance of deployed Naval forces engaged in undersea occupations such as diving, special operations, and submarine duty. The department provides a mission-essential capability for translational research using animal models of both hyperbaric and hypobaric exposures. The department develops cutting-edge technologies to prevent and treat decompression sickness as well as pulmonary and central nervous system toxicity associated with hyperbaric oxygen. Additional unique research efforts include testing plans for disabled submarine rescue and identifying countermeasures to improve warfighter performance at high altitude.

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.

• Plans, conducts, and completes investigations for Principle Investigators. Assignments require the performance of complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
• Utilizes existing knowledge to develop methods and procedures necessary for execution of experiments and investigations.
• Utilizes knowledge of issues and equipment associated with the interface between physiological monitoring devices test and control of chambers life support parameters.
• Some shift-work may be required for continuous long-duration protocols.
• Utilizes existing knowledge of the inherent dangers of oxygen enriched atmospheres (OEA) in the development, design, and application of experimental protocols. Render judgments on the safety of electronic equipment exposed to OEA environments.
• Apply Mil-Std-1330E to maintain oxygen clean conditions in the existing systems.
• Apply existing knowledge in design, fabrication, cleaning, assembly, and operations of new and novel systems necessary for hyper and hypobaric medical research IAW established standards and guidelines as approved by of the Head of Chamber Operations.
• Implements, executes, and maintains ongoing research protocols. Research activities frequently involve projects which are characteristically unconventional and involve unique solutions requiring ingenuity.
• Tasks are defined as specific technical objectives which involve the application of technology and science in the field of Alternobaric systems as it applies to a diverse mix of biomedical research projects.
• Draft experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintains gas supplies and consumption necessary to conduct ongoing research, including preventative maintenance on storage flasks and compressors IAW Navy PMS schedules under direction of the Head of Chamber Operations
• Maintains other necessary equipment IAW Navy PMS schedules including system gauges and relief valves.
• Maintains all command level required recurrent training in a timely manner so as to stay in compliance with training standards.

Education and Experience

• Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of animal research experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of extremely complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects; good communication and analytical skills.
• Working understanding of underlying physics and mechanics associated with high pressure gasses.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with various hand and power tools.
• Experience calibrating and operating complex environmental and physiological monitoring equipment.
• Experience operating high pressure gasses in the setting of animal research.
• Experience with the operation of high pressure systems associated with advanced scientific methods such as physiological and medical research and methodology.
• Experience putting protocols together is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Requires long periods of sitting and standing; handling of various chemicals.

Work Environment

• This position will take place in a laboratory environment and hyperbaric chamber facility.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $57,650-$93,100. Actual salary pay 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

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