Postdoctoral Fellow - APG

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who is responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Pursuits research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.

This position will be in support of Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics (APG) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD. APG provides foundational medical education in anatomy, histology, physiology, and neuroscience, focusing on "Molecules to Military Medicine".

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.

• Project development: Assist in the design, development, and implementation of innovative research projects focused on brain injury/neurorecovery.
• Advanced lab research: Execute specialized laboratory protocols, specifically those involving hypoxia and brain injury-based paradigms and in vivo rodent models.
• Innovation & feasibility: Investigate the application of scientific principles and theories to develop new methodologies, potential inventions, or translational research products.

• Data Management: Maintain meticulous records of all experiments, including precise sample collection, handling, and documentation of experimental variables.

• Data interpretation: Analyze complex datasets-ranging from microscopy images to transcriptomic profiles-to draw meaningful scientific conclusions.
• Scholarly output: Prepare high-quality data visualizations and drafts for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national or international scientific meetings.

• Collaborative support: Work closely with the PI and laboratory team and collaborators to meet project milestones and contribute to the intellectual environment of the lab.

• Laboratory stewardship: Perform additional duties as assigned, including mentoring junior lab members or participating in specialized training essential to the role.
• Regulatory adherence: Ensure all research is conducted in accordance with institutional safety protocols and ethical guidelines for animal care.

Education and Experience

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical skills: Proficiency in rodent surgery, behavioral testing, and confocal/2-photon microscopy.
• A strong background in neuroscience, specifically relating to physiology and imaging.
• Analytic skills: Experience with statistical software (GraphPad Prism/R); familiarity with Python or MATLAB is an advantage.
• Biological expertise: Knowledge of electrophysiology, epigenetics, and signaling pathways.
• Experimental lifecycle: Ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex datasets, and interpret results within the context of signaling pathways.

• Molecular profiling: Knowledge of (or experience with) transcriptomics and epigenetics to investigate molecular mechanisms.

• Animal models: Hands-on experience with rodent husbandry, behavioral testing, and tissue processing.
• Surgical proficiency: Experience performing rodent surgeries and implementing specialized experimental paradigms, such as hypoxia or brain injury models.

• Laboratory protocol: Ability to manage and execute specialized research protocols with high attention to detail and data integrity.

• Microscopy: Proficiency in confocal and 2-photon microscopy, as well as bright-field imaging.

• Immunohistochemistry: Demonstrated experience with IHC techniques and subsequent image analysis.

• Statistical methods: Experience applying quantitative and statistical analysis to biological data.
• Software tools: Working knowledge of R or GraphPad Prism for statistical modeling.
• Coding (preferred): Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data processing or custom analysis is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $52,800-$61,000. Actual salary 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.