Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist)

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) to preform research and/or development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. May exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. The Contractor shall perform complex and general clinical pathology laboratory testing in support of USAMRIID's mission within AAT. The Contractor is responsible for maintenance, operation, and quality assurance and quality control aspects of all clinical laboratory equipment and tests IAW all applicable regulations. The individual shall be willing to develop and learn new techniques when required and shall demonstrate an acceptable level of performance independently carrying out clinical pathology laboratory support to USAMRIID. Certification as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist by a nationally recognized accreditation agency (ASCP or AMT) is required. Shall have experience in chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis, with experience in coagulation and microbiology highly desirable. Experience performing clinical pathology testing in BSL-3 and/or BSL-4 containment is highly desirable and knowledge of or experience with GLP work is preferred. The candidate shall be familiar with 21 CFR Part 58 (GLP for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies) and the QALs guidelines established by the ASVCP, and be able to maintain, operate, and troubleshoot all equipment and tests associated with AAT's animal clinical pathology mission IAW these regulations and applicable USAMRIID SOPs.

This position will be in support of United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. USAMRIID works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

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.

• Contractor shall serve as a Medical Laboratory Scientist performing and overseeing AAT's animal clinical pathology mission as the primary point of contact (POC) to include daily laboratory operations supporting USAMRIID research programs and testing of NHP colony management specimens.
• Contractor shall perform microbiological and related biological and bio-chemical examinations on clinical and environmental specimens for the detection and identification of microbial agents of disease.
• Contractor shall perform hematological, chemistry, and coagulation tests of blood samples, including preparing blood smears and urinalysis testing, and to include generating sediment preparations.
• Contractor shall provide oversight and review of animal clinical pathology test results and procedures.
• Contractor shall accurately evaluate, interpret and record the results of laboratory tests and control data IAW GLP SOPs and ASVCP QALs guidelines.
• Contractor shall perform proper Quality Control and quality assurance procedures, equipment validation, daily/ weekly/monthly and other maintenance procedures, and appropriately maintain records, logs, and reports IAW GLP SOPs and ASVCP QALs guidelines for all AAT animal clinical pathology equipment.
• Contractor shall recognize anomalies in test results and quality control data, including fluctuations over time, and be able to determine and correct the underlying cause(s). Contractor shall record and log IAW GLP SOPs.
• Contractor shall assist in research, planning and evaluation of alternate testing methods and procedures, assist with training of laboratory or other related personnel.
• Contractor shall assist in preparing the AAT animal clinical pathology laboratories for GLP audits and inspections by other regulatory agencies.
• Contractor shall maintain the laboratory including keeping equipment and work areas in a clean, orderly, and safe manner, and maintaining inventories of all animal clinical pathology laboratory supplies. Promptly notify AAT leadership when supplies are low. Contractor shall obtain and provide equipment and supply quotes as requested.
• Contractor shall create and maintain laboratory and office documents including SOPs, logs for equipment use and supply purchases and inventory, and other paperwork as required by GLP SOPs. Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts.
• Contractor shall participate in meetings and give oral presentations related to assigned duties, as needed.
• Contractor shall generate animal clinical pathology written summaries, reports and related documents as needed.
• Contractor shall provide accurate technical information to research scientists and laboratory animal veterinarians.
• Contractor shall timely report observations of safety or standard operating procedure non-compliance IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs, guidance and regulations.
• Contractor shall investigate independently, and in collaboration with others, events during the phases of infection in representative laboratory animals prior to and following agent exposure. Assist in the preparation of labels and sample tubes, required supplies, and associated paperwork. Follow study protocol and schedule to complete study activities as assigned to include but not limited to sample processing, aliquoting and inactivation. Studies shall be conducted in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 laboratory environment. Workload is up to 20 protocols per year.
• Contractor shall cross-train to provide backfill support to animal plethysmography, aerosol assisting, and assays as needed.
• Contractor shall perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-3 change rooms, showers, and assigned containment areas. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Contractor shall perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-2 assigned laboratories. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 7 years' related experience or Master's Degree with a 3 years' related experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in a high through-put diagnostic clinical pathology laboratory (e.g., referral laboratory, hospital, etc.) or in a research setting.
• Shall have experience in chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis, with experience in coagulation and microbiology highly desirable.
• Experience performing clinical pathology testing in BSL-3 and/or BSL-4 containment is highly desirable and knowledge of or experience with GLP work is preferred.
• Shall be familiar with 21 CFR Part 58 (GLP for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies) and the QALs guidelines established by the ASVCP, and be able to maintain, operate, and troubleshoot all equipment and tests associated with AAT's animal clinical pathology mission IAW these regulations and applicable USAMRIID SOPs.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Certification as a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist by a nationally recognized accreditation agency (ASCP or AMT) is required.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance and BRPR, CPRP, and/or CSPRP, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Maintain sufficient health to meet enrollment criteria and maintain eligibility in USAMRIID's Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP), Chemical Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP) and/or Controlled Substances Personnel Reliability Program (CSPRP).
• Current on routine adult immunizations or proof of active immunity against HBV, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, Tdap. Employees working directly with patients or research participants must receive a negative TB test.
• 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 $57,650 - $93,100. 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.