Scientist I - Immuno-Oncology & Microtumor Systems

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to develop and conduct research projects for the Immune-Integrated Microtumors to Assess Immunotherapeutic Efficacy project. This role focuses on building next-generation microtumor systems that faithfully capture complex tumor-immune microenvironments, overcoming the limitations of conventional organoids. The Scientist I will investigate the feasibility of applying cutting-edge engineering and immunological concepts to model therapeutic interventions (such as CAR T cells and checkpoint blockades) in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (including endometrial cancer).

This position will be in support of the John P. Murtha Cancer Center located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. This position will support Dr. Geeta Upadhyay, Scientific Director of the Clinical Breast Care Project (CBCP) at the CBCP labs at the Uniformed Services University Health Sciences (USUHS) campus 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD.

The Murtha Cancer Center is a modern, patient-centric, tri-service military healthcare facility. Its comprehensive core of military and civilian oncologists and other cancer-trained clinicians and researchers provide multidisciplinary cancer-care delivery and patient-family support services. Our Cancer Center, the only DoW Cancer Center of Excellence within the Military Health System, offers its patients access to cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies.

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.

• Model Engineering & Co-Culture Development: Formulates experimental protocols to engineer adaptable, immune-inclusive microtumor co-cultures utilizing controlled perfusion. Integrates autologous T cells, B cells, NK cells, and diverse myeloid populations (including macrophages).
• Develop models to test the efficacy of immunotherapies in organoid culture system and compare to real-world data.
• Develop algorithms working with bioinformatics to predict therapeutic efficacy in solid cancers.
• Advanced Immunophenotyping & Data Analysis: Processes and interprets high-resolution experimental data. Utilizes flow cytometry, mass cytometry (CyTOF), and single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) to resolve cellular activation, macrophage polarization, and exhaustion trajectories.
• Functional & Functional Kinetic Assays: Conducts longitudinal live-cell imaging, spatial cytokine profiling, and high-throughput tumor-killing assays to quantify immune cell trafficking, tumor infiltration, and antigen-specific cytotoxicity.
• Clinical Benchmarking & Validation: Maintained detailed documentation to benchmark immune-microtumor responses against patient-matched clinical outcome data, rigorously validating the model's predictive value.
• Laboratory Leadership: Trains and supervises laboratory technicians, ensures documentation fulfills industry standards, and maintains detailed workbooks.
• Communication & Funding: Prepares high-quality written reports, presentations, and manuscripts for scientific journals. Coordinates and contributes to new grant and funding applications supporting project priorities.
• 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

• Doctorate Degree required.
• Minimum of 2-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Specialized Technical Skills: Proven experience with complex cell culture systems, such as organoids, 3D co-cultures, or organ-on-a-chip/perfusion platforms from primary tissue.
• High resolution microscopy using Aryscan Zeiss imaging and image processing tools.
• Metabolomics approaches using Seahorse for primary tissue and organoid.
• Advanced Immuno-Oncology Expertise: Deep knowledge of tumor-immune microenvironments, immune cell transport, checkpoint immunomodulation (PD-1/PD-L1), and cellular therapies (CAR T).
• Hands-on proficiency with multi-parameter flow cytometry, mass cytometry (CyTOF), and/or single-cell sequencing technologies (scRNA-seq).
• Experience with longitudinal live-cell imaging using Incucyte and image analysis software is highly desirable.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to troubleshoot complex technical procedures and interpret multi-omic, spatial, and kinetic datasets.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and manuscript/grant preparation.
• Ability to work independently, manage timelines across multiple specific aims, and oversee technical staff.
• 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 $77,600 -$105,000. 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.