Sr. Scientist - NMRC

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Sr. Scientist who will serve as a subject matter expert and is responsible for independently conceiving and designing research projects of considerable complexity and difficulty. Supervises projects and investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products, and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols.

This position will be in support of Neurotrauma Department, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate at Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD. The Neurotrauma Department dedicated to advancing science and technology to reduce the impact of combat- and trainingrelated neurotrauma, improve field care capabilities, and ensure readiness.

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.

• Technical Advisory & Subject Matter Expertise
  • Serve as the department's technical expert on advanced neurotrauma principles, biomedical interventions, and complex experimental models. Troubleshoot technical challenges, evaluate emerging technologies and protocols for operational suitability, and author briefings, technical reports, and actionable recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Scientific Direction & Technical Mentorship
  • Translate overarching Department of War (DoW) operational requirements into high-priority biomedical research agendas. Provide scientific mentorship to Principal Investigators (PIs) and strategic technical guidance to program managers to build research capability and execute project goals.
• Strategic Research Planning & Grant Acquisition
  • Identify emerging scientific concepts, cutting-edge methodologies, and technological advancements to translate novel hypotheses into funded research initiatives. Lead the development of competitive research grants and define multi-phase project roadmaps, critical path milestones, risk mitigation frameworks, and feasibility criteria.
• Strategic Partnerships & External Liaison
  • Serve as scientific liaison to key external stakeholders-including the Defense Health Agency (DHA), DoW entities, academic institutions, and industry partners-to cultivate inter-agency collaborations, align research roadmaps, and transition biomedical capabilities into operational environments.
• Scientific Governance, Peer Review & Compliance
  • Direct rigorous peer review and quality-assurance oversight for departmental proposals, protocols, and grant submissions to ensure technical excellence, fiscal soundness, and compliance with institutional, human/animal subject, and federal regulatory standards.
• Participation in scientific and guidelines/policy-setting meetings.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct Supervisor: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree required.
• More than 10 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable highly complex scientific procedures and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and supervise others.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $61.06-$112.98. Actual hourly 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(c)

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