Intern - Microbiology and Immunology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Intern whose work will involve performance of a variety of laboratory tasks related to understanding the effect of traumatic brain injury to the stress axis. Will provide technical work involving a variety of laboratory support duties. These may include data acquisition, data analysis and assist in the interpretation of data.

This position will be in support of Dr. Eric Laing, USUHS, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The intern will be trained in sterile cell culture techniques, maintenance of secondary cell lines, plasmid amplification and purification, vector transfections, and measuring reporter proteins by fluorescent quantification and Western blot. Through the internship, we aim to establish a reproducible BSL-2 standard operating procedures for New World orthohantavirus minigenome reporter assays, and identify the minimum vectors for gene expression that optimize reporter systems for antiviral discovery. They will also support shipping of samples.

The intern will be responsible for establishing a monocistronic minigenome reporter system for Sin Nombre virus (SNV). SNV is a negative sense, segmented New World orthohantavirus (class Bunyaviricetes). Its genome consists of three single-stranded, negative-sense genes: S (small), M (medium), and L (large), which encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoprotein precursors (Gn and Gc) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein).

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.

• Assists in assembling equipment and in preparing materials for experiments. Prepares reagents, solutions, and culture media.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Assists in conducting semi-routine experiments and analyses.
• Assist in data analysis.
• 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.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required. Enrollment in a 4 year undergraduate biology or related program preferred.
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and supplies
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Ability to handle multiple tasks
• Understanding of the neuroendocrine stress axis

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a lab setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay for this position is $20.00.

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.