Join the HJF Team!

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

The incumbent will be responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects involved with studying cell division, cell size regulation, persistence and molecular pathogenesis of obligate intracellular in the laboratory of Dr. George Liechti in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at USUHS.

Projects on Chlamydia spp. include: characterization of the structural elements involved in septal peptidoglycan biosynthesis, assembly, and dissociation in the absence of FtsZ; development of live-cell imaging techniques for visualizing the formation/ dissociation of the cell division complex and peptidoglycan biosynthesis / turnover; identification and characterization of structural and metabolic ‘check points’ that regulate the developmental cycles of Chlamydia sp.; investigation of the physiological underpinnings of Chlamydia’s aberrant/persistent state and how it influences host / microbial interaction.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
2. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
3. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures.
4. Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments.
5. Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
6. 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of appropriate scientific area; ability to analyze and interpret data.

Minimum Education: Doctoral degree required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: 0-5 years of relevant work experience required.

Work Environment: Set in a laboratory environment. Occasional evening, holiday, or weekend work may be required depending in the project and time points. 

Background/Security: Eligibility 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. 

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