Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MIC) located at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD. HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to MIC.

This person will work in Dr. Chou-Zen Giam’s lab to study the replication and pathogenesis of human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1). Current efforts in the lab focus on understanding how hyperactivation of NF-B by the HTLV-1 oncoprotein, Tax, triggers a rapid senescence response; and how ATL (adult T cell leukemia, a leukemia of CD4+ T cells caused by HTLV-1 infection) cells maintain constitutive NF-B activation without inducing senescence. We are also actively investigating the mechanisms underlying the extensive genomic instability of ATL using both biochemical and bioinformatic approaches.

Responsibilities

1. Formulates experimental hypotheses and designs experimental protocol.
2. Develops bioinformatics tools to analyze the genomes and transcriptomes of ATL.
3. Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
4. Processes and interprets experimental data.
5. Trains and supervises technical staff and students.
6. Coordinates with other technical and professional staff.
7. Prepares funding documents, written reports, manuscripts for submission to scientific journals, and patent applications.
8. Maintains a safe work environment with appropriate training of other personnel.
9. Provides collaborative assistance to other Research Scientists that require the incumbent's expertise.
10. Completes other projects as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of applicable complex scientific procedures and techniques; excellent communication skills; ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently and supervise others. Creativity, strong communication and writing skills, and a strong publication record are highly desirable.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: A Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, or virology is required.

Minimum Experience: 0-2 years of experiences with recombinant DNA techniques, protein purification, DNA transfection, lentivirus and adenovirus vectors, CRISPR-Cas9, mammalian cell culture, T/B cell biology, reporter assays, and RT-PCR are necessary. Expertise in bioinformatics, analyses of whole genome and transcriptome data, cell imaging, immunofluorescence, and DNA damage repair analyses will be a plus.

Physical Capabilities: Work involves standing and handling of numerous chemicals.

Work Environment: Laboratory environment; may require working evenings and weekends; may involve working with biohazardous materials.

Background: Eligibility to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); eligibility to obtain and hold a Public Trust background.

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 Director of Human Resources.