Entry Level Biology Research 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.
Summary:
We are seeking a Research Technician with a bachelor's degree in biology (or a related field of the life sciences) to join Project Pipeline Support (PPS), supporting Janelia Project Teams in large-scale efforts and Janelia labs in applying project workflows to lab investigations. This position will contribute to the AI@HHMI initiative and other Janelia projects, advancing the study of the connectome and specific targeting of cell types for functional studies.
About the role:
As a member of the team, you will be trained on some or all of: fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and fish central nervous system dissection, immunohistochemistry, expansion microscopy for connectomics, and imaging including confocal/light sheet microscopy. You will perform these skills with exceptional reliability and attention to detail.
This entry-level role is ideal for someone with prior undergraduate lab experience who is eager to learn and develop technical skills. The successful candidate will have some lab experience, work efficiently to accomplish tasks, and thrive in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, the ability to problem solve, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
What we provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment across interdisciplinary fields.
• An intellectually compelling environment that encourages broad thinking and problem-solving.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

What you'll do:

• Perform wet lab tasks such as fly & fish dissection, immunohistochemistry, and expansion microscopy following established protocols
• Assist with tissue preparation, sample preparation, data collection, microscopy imaging and other basic experimental procedures
• Accurately document experimental procedures and results
• Support senior lab members with day-to-day research activities
• Work efficiently to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines
• Collaborate effectively with lab members and contribute positively to a team-based environment

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in biology (or related field of life sciences or chemistry) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Prior hands-on lab experience obtained through undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
• Willingness to be trained and learn new techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to follow instructions carefully, and attention to detail.

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). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
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
$18.40 (minimum) - $23.03 (midpoint) - $29.93 (maximum)
Pay Type:
Hourly
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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