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.

This position will be in support of the Biotechnology High-Performance Computing Software Applications Institute (BHSAI), located in Frederick, MD.

HJF is seeking a Brain Biomechanics Computational Research Scientist I or II to perform interdisciplinary research, combining physical, computational, and life-science research to improve the efficiency and efficacy in the development of militarily relevant medical products for Force Health Protection. Mainly works performing independent research in a focused problem area.

This position is focused on the analysis of experimental data involving brain biomechanics and development of physiological/computational models of the human body using finite element analysis (FEA).

• Develop and apply computational solutions to biomedical problems involving physiological modeling using FEA.
• Analyze and model data relevant to brain biomechanics using FEA.
• Formulates research projects, develops innovative approaches, designs and implements experimental protocols related to computational models.
• Continuously surveys the scientific literature to generate novel ideas and advance projects and programs. Develops necessary new technologies and protocols.
• Trains, and in some instances supervises, junior research scientists.
• Collects, processes, and interprets experimental data and model outputs.  Presents research methods and scientific concepts at appropriate scientific conferences.
• Prepares research proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and present research methods and findings at appropriate forums.
• Assists in the identification, development, and maintenance of collaborations with both internal and external research groups for development of new approaches to existing research problems.
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in computational brain biomechanics and FEA modeling, experience in developing models for animal models or humans is a plus.
• Proven computational experience with solid knowledge of informatics tools and visualization/data mining package.
• Proficiency in common database/programming/scripting languages (e.g., SQL, R, Python, Perl, Java, MATLAB, C++) and their application in biomedical research.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures.
• Good analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
• A publication track record.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree in Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics or related field. 
• Level I: Minimum of 0-2 years experience required.
• Level II: 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.