Computational Research Scientist III - Assistant Professor

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Computational Research Scientist III - Assistant Professor to support the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP) Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) under the Department of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU), located in Bethesda, MD. Incumbent helps to fulfill CPDR's mission by developing and applying cutting-edge computational and bioinformatic approaches to address fundamental questions in prostate cancer biology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Incumbent will be expected to establish and lead an independent, extramurally funded research lab, contribute to collaborative projects across CPDR and partnering institutions, and provide mentorship to student trainees and technical staff.

The incumbent will develop and supervise research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Develops new technologies and protocols.

About CPDR [video link]:

CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational prostate cancer research program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Department of Surgery and the John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Established in 1992 (Public Law 102-172), CPDR's mission of studying prostate cancer and prostate disease in the US Military Health Care System, is fulfilled primarily through its three principal programs: (1) the Clinical Translational Research Center; (2) the Basic Science Research Program, and (3) the Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database to encompass its clinical research work with participating military medical centers.

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.

• Plan, execute, and oversee laboratory research. Formulate experimental hypotheses and design experimental protocols.
• Monitor scientific literature. Continue to research new developments in the field of computational biology and bioinformatics in order to apply these methods to new data sets, including emerging tools in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Prepare written reports and patent applications. Prepare and contribute to scientific manuscripts for publication in journals and conferences.
• Coordinate and prepare new grant and funding applications to secure extramural research support.
• Process and interpret experimental data.
• Apply powerful analysis methods to review large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic data sets from prostate cancer patients and models.
• Make scientific observations, maintain detailed workbooks/documentation, and ensure rigorous data management practices, computational reproducibility, and adherence to ethical guidelines in all research activities.
• Collaborate with clinical and basic scientists to advance and implement hypothesis driven research focused on prostate cancer. Initiate, develop, and maintain collaborative partnerships with others to meet share objectives and goals.
• Train and supervise technical staff. Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior researchers.
• Participate in departmental and institutional committees, peer review activities, and professional societies.
• 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

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Specialization or demonstrated interest in prostate cancer research, cancer genomics, epigenomics, machine learning, molecular biology, immuno-oncogenomic, precision oncology, and network medicine.
• Experience working with high throughput sequence data. Understanding of principles behind contemporary computational techniques.
• Strong programming skills and experience with scientific computing software and scripting languages.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques relevant to biological data.
• Research experience in statistical genetics/genomics and familiarity with next- generation sequence data
• Proven track-record of publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Experience securing extramural funding (e.g., fellowships, pilot grants)
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and willingness to collaborate cross-departmentally
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures
• Ability to work independently and supervise others
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust Clearance

Physical Capabilities

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

Work Environment

• This position will take place in an office and laboratory environment.

Compensation

• The annual salary pay range for this position is $100,500-$141,000 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

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.