Laboratory Technician - AFRL

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform pathogen-agnostic laboratory characterization activities utilizing molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and broad-spectrum analytical techniques to detect, identify, and characterize known, novel, and emerging biological agents. Ensures compliance with biosafety and quality standards while supporting research, surveillance, biodefense, and public health initiatives.

This position will be in support of Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS) program. The CHEERS program is a Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). CHEERS is designed to provide a comprehensive strategy for AFRL and USAFSAM's range of Science and Technology (S&T) and Studies and Analysis (S&A), enabling progression from basic research through technology maturation and transition. The program focuses on human-centered research to:

• Enable, sustain, enhance, and restore the health, performance, and readiness of multi-domain Airman.
• Integrate biological and cognitive technologies to optimize and protect Airman capabilities in Fly, Fight, and Win across Air, Space, and Cyberspace.

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.

• Perform laboratory testing and characterization of biological samples using pathogen-agnostic methods and workflows.
• Prepare, process, and analyze clinical, environmental, or biological specimens following established laboratory protocols.
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction, sample preparation, library construction, and quality control procedures for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including sequencing platforms, PCR systems, automated liquid handlers, and analytical equipment.
• Support metagenomic, genomic, transcriptomic, and other broad-spectrum pathogen detection and characterization efforts.
• Execute molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and sample enrichment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, electronic laboratory notebooks, and chain-of-custody documentation in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Assist in data review, interpretation, and reporting of laboratory findings to support research, public health, biodefense, or diagnostic initiatives.
• Perform routine quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory safety procedures, including proper handling and disposal of potentially infectious materials.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and laboratory consumables while maintaining inventory and supply tracking systems.
• Participate in method development, validation, optimization, and continuous improvement of characterization workflows.
• Collaborate with scientists, bioinformaticians, and cross-functional laboratory teams to support project objectives and deliverables.
• Support research studies involving emerging infectious diseases, unknown biological agents, and microbial community analysis.

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree.
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of and skill in tissue culture technique and handling biological hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• Technical Skills:
  • Molecular biology and microbiology techniques.
  • NA/RNA extraction and purification.
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Metagenomic sequencing and analysis.
  • qPCR/RT-qPCR.
  • Pac Bio, sequencers, automated sample prep (Oxford Voltrex).
• Experience performing laboratory testing in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment or ability to complete BSL 3 Training highly preferred.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance, including background check and drug screening.
  

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 hourly pay range for this position is $19.33-$24.04. Actual 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.