Bioinformatics Research Associate II

Join the HJF Team!

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.

HJF is seeking a Bioinformatics Research Associate II to apply bioinformatics and data mining technologies to studies that aim to elucidate the genetic and neurobiological basis of alcohol use, addiction, impulsivity, and other psychopathology. This research includes collaborations with principal investigators from the University of Pennsylvania, the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and Yale University. The ideal candidate will have strong computational and analytic skills and a master’s degree in genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, genetic epidemiology, or a similar field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and evidence of relevant skillsets will also be considered. Experience in large-scale data analysis and biomedical informatics is preferred, as is proficiency in computer programming (e.g., R, Python). Primary responsibilities will include quantitative data analysis and contributions to manuscript writing. Our lab prioritizes mentorship and professional growth. This is a 2-4 year position. This is a hybrid position requiring weekly presence in the office.

This position will be in support of the Clinical Neuroscience of Psychopathology (CNP) lab in the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD.

Note: This site requires that the incumbent has lived in the US for three out of the past five years. 

• Working with multiple phenotypic, genomic, and neuroimaging large datasets including dbGaP, Million Veterans Program (MVP), All of Us, UK Biobank, and other.
• Conducting pheWAS, GWAS, whole genome association studies, protein-protein interaction, Mendelian randomization and other genomic and bioinformatic analyses.
• Writing up methods, results, syntax, posters, and manuscripts.
• Contribute to the execution of research studies using large open datasets.
• Assists with the preparation of technical reports, summaries, study protocols, and preparing IRB submissions.
• Performs other duties as assigned. A passion for learning on the job and applying novel analytical methods is essential.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience/skills in data management and working in a research lab.
• Capable of working both independently and as a team player.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and capable of writing abstracts, manuscripts, and reports.
• Candidate with skills in data management and analysis (R, Python), computer science (R, Python, Linus) and statisics are strongly encouraged to apply.
• A strong interest and willingness to learn some of these skills may be acceptable.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
• Research laboratory environment

Work Environment

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

 Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

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.