Research Associate II - Immuno-Oncology & Microtumor Systems

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. This position will be in support of the Immune-Integrated Microtumors to Assess Immunotherapeutic Efficacy project. The project focuses on building next-generation microtumor systems that faithfully capture tumor-immune microenvironments to evaluate therapies like CAR T cells and checkpoint blockades. The incumbent will perform complex laboratory tests, including perfusion co-cultures, dynamic live-cell imaging, and high-throughput tumor-killing assays. The candidate may exercise technical discretion in the execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

This position will be in support of the John P. Murtha Cancer Center located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. This position will support Dr. Geeta Upadhyay, Scientific Director of the Clinical Breast Care Project (CBCP) at the CBCP labs at USUHS campus 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD.

The Murtha Cancer Center is a modern, patient-centric, tri-service military healthcare facility. Its comprehensive core of military and civilian oncologists and other cancer-trained clinicians and researchers provide multidisciplinary cancer-care delivery and patient-family support services. Our Cancer Center, the only DoD Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offers its patients access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies.

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.

• Generate and maintain organoids and subculture from primary tissue culture and perform quality control.
• Perfusion & Co-Culture Execution: Conducts complex laboratory tests to engineer and maintain immune-inclusive microtumor co-cultures utilizing controlled perfusion. Integrates and preserves autologous T cells, B cells, NK cells, and myeloid populations.
• Assay Deployment & Imaging: Performs high-throughput tumor-killing assays and in situ cytokine profiling. Operates longitudinal live-cell imaging platforms to track immune cell infiltration and kinetics.
• Data Analysis & Processing: Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation of immunophenotyping data (flow cytometry/CyTOF) and transcriptomics. Verifies and corrects data entry to ensure high-resolution data integrity.
• Reagent & Sample Management: Organizes and procures needed reagents, analyzes and prepares assay product documentation, and documents new procedures or protocols for sample selection and data collection.
• Laboratory Operations & Training: Trains junior laboratory staff in routine laboratory techniques and processes as needed. Maintains meticulous compliance with standard operating procedures.
• 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

• Master's Degree in Immunology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a research laboratory environment required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Complex Laboratory Procedures: Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (3D cultures, organoids, or microfluidic/perfusion platforms is highly preferred).
• Transfection, transduction and experience with clonal selection of cells
• Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry and imaging on confocal microscopy is required.
• Immunological Techniques: Familiarity with handling primary human immune cells (PBMCs, T cells, macrophages) and running multi-color flow cytometry assays.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to meet strict project deadlines, multitask across multiple experimental aims, and maintain detailed, audit-ready laboratory records.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $61,000 - $85,000. 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.