Associate Director, Clinical Research

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking an Associate Director, Clinical Research to lead the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory (LDL) within the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The LDL is the Department of Defense's (DoD) best-in-class, clinical diagnostic parasitology laboratory and is the only CAP accredited clinical diagnostic laboratory providing a full spectrum of Leishmania test menu diagnostics inclusive of histology (smear, biopsy), serology, nucleic acid testing, parasite culture, parasite speciation, and xenodiagnoses in the US. In addition, LDL executes test support for diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials for licensure of commercial and DoD sponsored material and/or knowledge products for medical management of Leishmania infected US Military Service members and their Beneficiaries. The incumbent will direct a technical team, the daily operations of the laboratory, and work with the DCB Leadership to develop new assays, provide state-of-the-art parasitic test and clinical trial support under regulatory requirements.

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.

• Responsible for direction and daily management of all clinical laboratory operations inclusive of staff, equipment, and methods for high complexity testing of human biological specimens; provides technical guidance to technical staff.
• Maintains in depth knowledge of regulatory requirements for non-waived, high complexity testing in support of clinical service delivery and clinical research initiatives.
• Prepares, reviews, and revises regulated documentation to include, but not limited to Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Management Plans, Work Instructions, etc.
• Reviews and remains up to date on scientific literature and technological advances, attends and participates in national and international conferences; prepares manuscripts for peer reviewed journals.
• Prepares, writes, reviews, and revises reports for DCB Leadership as required which includes but are not limited to workload reports, inventory, supply forecasting, and budgets.
• Utilizes technical knowledge to design experiments, analyze, and interpret data for research, development, and production environments for new instruments and test methods; incorporates into clinical service delivery and clinical research test menus as required for US Military Force Health Protection and Readiness.
• In conjunction with the Quality Assurance Section, ensures Quality Control and Quality Assurance compliance for all high complexity testing inclusive of establishment of Quality Control/Quality Assurance standards for new tests and/or procedures as well as Quality Improvement activities for all regulated activities.
• Continually reviews workflows and laboratory processes for risk; works to develop risk mitigation strategies and process improvements.
• Creates and fosters a strong team and collaborative dynamic among/within Departments within DCB.
• Assists in recruitment and hiring of laboratory personnel; oversees the training of laboratory personnel.
• Mentors subordinate staff; fosters management and technical skill sets of subordinates as appropriate.
• Coordinates procurement of supplies, equipment, and instrumentation within space and budgetary constraints in conjunction with DCB leadership and the Laboratory Director.
• Attends, presents and participates in Section/General Laboratory meetings, DCB Department meetings, and seminars.
• Provides training to visiting intermural and extramural Scientists as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Day to day operations of Leishmania Diagnostics Laboratory, Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree is required. Doctoral Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology or related scientific discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 3-6 years of experience in parasitology.
• Professional knowledge of analytical laboratory principles, theories, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in developing and modifying methods that are used to analyze and test body fluids.
• Experienced in problem solving in a high paced laboratory environment conducting high complexity testing in support of clinical service delivery and clinical research initiatives.
• 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 $100,500 - $165,000. 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.