Research Technician II / III

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA seeks a Research Technician II/III to support image annotation and analysis projects. You will collect, review, and QC annotations from multidimensional imagery and help prepare datasets for protocol development and collaboration with researchers.

A Bachelor's degree with at least two years in cellular biology or neuroscience is required; strong computer skills and 3D visualization ability are essential in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience in cellular biology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers.
• Ability to visualize complex three-dimensional structures and maintain careful, repetitive work.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills; able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Gain in-depth knowledge of annotation software and image analysis tools.
• Collect data from multidimensional images and videos; review and correct annotations.
• Perform quality control on large datasets; provide feedback on annotations and software performance.
• Prepare datasets for annotation, contribute to protocol development, and document procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the team manager, researchers, and collaborators.

Skills

Proficiency with computers

3D visualization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in cellular biology or neuroscience

Job description

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147The 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 RoleThe PTR-BioImage analysis team within Project Technical Resources (PTR) is seeking a full-time technician to work on annotation and image analysis projects in collaboration with Team Projects, laboratories, and computational groups. The selected individual will work closely with the team manager and other scientists to develop and implement procedures to accomplish research goals. This job is ideal for someone who likes working with images and enjoys manual annotation, as well as establishing standard protocols and interacting with peers and collaborators. Our current work includes voxel-level segmentation of 3D microscopy volumes, segmentation of lightsheet images of expanded tissues, cell tracking in 4D light microscopy videos, and behavioral labeling from animal experimental video. The combination of projects and emphasis changes over time, requiring agile adaptation to specific requirements. Annotations typically serve as ground truth for automated image processing pipelines established for AI@HHMI projects, and in some cases are used to answer biological questions directly. Examples of related work can be explored at the BioImage Analysis page.This position will be filled at Research Technician level II or III depending on the candidate’s experience.Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.What We ProvideOn-the-job training on current tools, protocols, and techniquesCompetitive compensation with comprehensive health and welfare benefitsAmenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, a free gym, social and dining spaces, convenient shuttle bus service from the Washington D.C. metro area, on-campus housing, and options for education assistanceA diverse team looking forward to exploring how your unique background, talents, and interests could contribute to PTR's ability to support science at JaneliaWhat You'll DoGain in-depth knowledge of commercial and custom annotation softwareCollect relevant data from multidimensional images and videosReview and correct automatically or manually generated annotationsPerform quality control on large datasets, including screening work produced by other team membersProvide feedback on image quality, software performance, and annotation challengesReport biological observations arising from the dataCommunicate effectively with the team manager, project leads, researchers, and support groups at JaneliaPrepare datasets for annotation, contribute to protocol development and documentation, and serve as a point of contact for collaborating researchersWhat You BringBachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience in cellular biology, neuroscience, or related fieldDemonstrated proficiency with computersAbility to mentally visualize complex three-dimensional structuresAbility to perform detailed, repetitive work while sustaining close attentionAbility to understand and apply written guidelines consistentlyGood organizational skillsExcellent interpersonal skills to communicate efficiently with team members and collaboratorsWork experience in a team-oriented environment and skills to be a good team playerInterest in engaging in ground-breaking research in a fast-paced and dynamic environmentDemonstrated ability to work independently and to recognize when a case falls outside established standardsExperience contributing to written protocols or training other team membersCandidates with four or more years of experience in image annotation, segmentation, microscopy, or a closely related area may be considered for Research Technician III levelPhysical RequirementsRemaining 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. This position also requires good color vision, the ability to visualize in 3D, the ability to sit for several hours at a computer (with breaks), and fine motor skills.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.#LI-BG1Hiring Pay RangeResearch Technician II: $45,440.00 - $56,800.00Research Technician III: $53,840.00 - $67,300.00Pay Type:SalaryThe posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.Compensation and BenefitsOur 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.HHMI is an Equal Opportunity EmployerWe use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.