Research Associate II - Immuno-Oncology & Microtumor Systems

• Generate and maintain organoids and subculture from primary tissue culture and perform quality control.
• Perfusion & Co-Culture Execution: Conducts complex laboratory tests to engineer and maintain immune-inclusive microtumor co-cultures utilizing controlled perfusion. Integrates and preserves autologous T cells, B cells, NK cells, and myeloid populations.
• Assay Deployment & Imaging: Performs high-throughput tumor-killing assays and in situ cytokine profiling. Operates longitudinal live-cell imaging platforms to track immune cell infiltration and kinetics.
• Data Analysis & Processing: Performs routine data analysis and basic interpretation of immunophenotyping data (flow cytometry/CyTOF) and transcriptomics. Verifies and corrects data entry to ensure high-resolution data integrity.
• Reagent & Sample Management: Organizes and procures needed reagents, analyzes and prepares assay product documentation, and documents new procedures or protocols for sample selection and data collection.
• Laboratory Operations & Training: Trains junior laboratory staff in routine laboratory techniques and processes as needed. Maintains meticulous compliance with standard operating procedures.
• 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.

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Research Associate II to perform research and development in collaboration with other scientific and technical staff. This position will be in support of the Immune-Integrated Microtumors to Assess Immunotherapeutic Efficacy project. The project focuses on building next-generation microtumor systems that faithfully capture tumor-immune microenvironments to evaluate therapies like CAR T cells and checkpoint blockades. The incumbent will perform complex laboratory tests, including perfusion co-cultures, dynamic live-cell imaging, and high-throughput tumor-killing assays. The candidate may exercise technical discretion in the execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

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 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 DoD 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.