Assay Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147
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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology's deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.
About the role:
The Scientific Operations team at Janelia Research Campus is seeking a Manager to lead and support the Molecular Genomics and Flow Cytometry Shared Resources. This is a hands-on role that combines day-to-day experimental work with responsibility for ensuring reliable, high-quality service delivery, as well as being a subject matter expert in these areas. The Manager is the primary technical authority within the unit and is accountable for executing and optimizing molecular biology workflows, interpreting results, and communicating clearly with researchers to support their scientific goals. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, attention to detail, ability to stay up to date with current developments in the field and the ability to translate experimental outcomes into actionable insights. While the position includes opportunities to grow in people and operational leadership, the primary emphasis is on technical leadership, accountability, and effective collaboration across teams. An appreciation for the broader scientific context-including neuroscience, developmental biology, and stem cell biology-will support effective engagement with users.
About the department:
The Molecular Genomics and Flow Cytometry teams provide expert support for routine and advanced molecular biology (including genome engineering design in cells and model organisms) as well as flow cytometry workflows. As part of a broader ecosystem of shared scientific resources, this team (currently three full-time employees) partners closely with research labs (and occasionally other shared resources and technology groups) to enable complex, interdisciplinary projects.
What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• Opportunities to work directly with researchers on active projects
• Professional development through technical training and scientific engagement
• Exposure to a range of experimental systems and applications
• Access to advanced instrumentation and laboratory resources
• Opportunity to develop technical leadership and managerial skills.
• A collaborative and inclusive scientific environment
• Amenities that support work-life balance, including campus services and facilities

What you'll do:

• Personally execute and optimize molecular biology workflows, including assay design, PCR, cloning, sequencing, and data analysis
• Serve as a primary point of contact for researchers, communicating and consulting on experimental design, progress, and outcomes
• Partner with researchers to understand scientific objectives and design experimental approaches that align with project goals
• Accountable for end-to-end execution of experiments within the service scope, from design through data delivery
• Support day-to-day shared resource operations, including organization, troubleshooting, and workflow improvements
• Make real-time decisions during experimental workflows to ensure successful outcomes
• Identify and implement workflow improvements based on hands-on experience and user needs
• Lead a small team of scientific staff while remaining actively engaged in experimental work
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control, documentation, and data interpretation standards
• Manage project and operational budgets, including planning, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Collaborate across shared resources, including analysis and informatics, and research groups to coordinate complex, multidisciplinary projects and workflows

What you bring:

• Graduate degree-level training (preferred) with significant experience in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Stem Cell Biology, or a related field
• Focused technical expertise in molecular biology and genome engineering techniques, with the ability to troubleshoot and innovate across platforms
• Knowledge and experience with flow cytometry techniques and equipment
• Hands-on experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments
• Experience working in both academic research and shared resource/core facility environments
• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers, including discussing experimental design, interpreting data, and providing clear updates
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for experimental outcomes and service quality
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Interest in developing skills in team coordination and operational responsibilities

Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$105,778.90 (minimum) - $132,223.62 (midpoint) - $171,890.71 (maximum)
Pay Type:
Annual
HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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