Medical Laboratory Scientist - Technical Manager

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist - Technical Manager for the Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL). As the Technical Manager, the Contractor shall meet the general requirements IAW 42CFRPart 493.1461, the DoD Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIA'88), and standards enforced by accrediting agencies such as, but not limited to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA). The Contractor shall be responsible for the overall performance of clinical high complexity and general laboratory testing in support of the SPL and ongoing regulatory studies in BSL-2/3/4. The contractor shall be relied upon to monitor equipment maintenance, review/run quality control mechanisms, review/approve subject testing results, complete monthly audit reports, and complete monthly reports IAW 42CFRPart 493, CLIA/CLIP, and applicable standards. The Contractor is responsible for providing clinical laboratory support to the SPL and the CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN) within the SPL. Shall assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts Performance is evaluated based on the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of results, conformance to established policies, standards and objectives, and effectiveness of communications and interpersonal skills. The laboratory that the Contractor shall be working has the capacity of evaluating approximately 169 - 525 human laboratory tests; 150 - 225 environmental tests in a given year and provide support for approximately 2,000 to 3,000 animal tests on an as needed basis.

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 the Medical Laboratory Scientist Technical Manager performing clinical laboratory work and overall technical supervision of the clinical laboratory functions supporting the USAMRIID research programs and testing of clinical specimens within the SPL and the CDC LRN.
• Contractor shall perform clinical diagnostics, which may include general Microbiology (viral/bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization) and Molecular Diagnostics (real-time PCR).
• 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. Prepare and examine slide preparations for the detection of microbial agents. Accurately read, interpret and record the results of laboratory tests.
• Contractor shall perform proficiency testing on simulated specimens. Perform proper Quality Control (QC) and Maintenance procedures IAW published SOPs and appropriately maintain records, logs, and reports.
• Contractor shall provide technical and complex information clearly to research scientist, physicians and medical personnel.
• Contractor shall independently, with minimal technical direction, plan, conduct, evaluate, and report on ongoing scientific and laboratory projects to include clinical sample testing within the SPL, the CDC LRN, and OCONUS laboratory locations.
• Contractor shall independently, with minimal technical direction, perform clinical sample testing and characterization in BSL-2/3/4 and OCONUS laboratories using standard microbiological, molecular and immunological methods as well as develop novel methods to conduct the sample testing and characterization.
• Contractor shall independently, with minimal technical direction, perform complex laboratory methods (ex. real-time PCR, multiplexed real-time PCR, immunoassays, point of need clinical testing devices, next-generation sequencing) within the SPL, the CDC LRN, and OCONUS laboratory locations.
• Contractor shall provide technical leadership in clinical research, planning and evaluation of alternate methods and testing procedures, assist with training of laboratory or other related personnel.
• Contractor shall review and follow current literature to maintain state-of-art-methodology and technologies in the Clinical Laboratory field. Review and write SOPs in accordance with established internal guidelines.
• Contractor shall participate in specimen collection according to the required test; maintain responsibility for research subject identification and specimen(s).
• CONUS/OCONUS travel for scientific conferences and workshops may be required. OCONUS travel to remote/austere locations may be required to provide laboratory training, to conduct clinical sample testing in field and remote clinical settings and provide clinical and diagnostic subject matter expertise.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree.
• Minimum of 5+ years of post-graduate work experience in a high complexity testing clinical laboratory, research laboratory and/or OCONUS laboratory setting.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by a nationally recognized accreditation agency (ex. ASCP)
• Requires experience in Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
• Must be familiar with 42 CFR Part 493, including the maintenance, operation, and quality management of all systems associated with the above statutes and/or standards. Knowledge of or experience with GLP work desired.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of extremely complex laboratory procedures.
• Ability to meet deadlines of projects.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• 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 and/or clinical setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $64,200 - $109,200. Actual salary/hourly pay 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.