Research Technician II / III - PTR-BioImage Analysis

Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On‑job training

Competitive compensation w/ benefits

On‑site childcare

Free gym

Shuttle service from DC metro area

On‑campus housing

Education assistance

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s PTR BioImage Analysis team seeks a full‑time technician to annotate and analyze 3D microscopy and video data. You will develop procedures, ensure quality, and work with researchers and computational groups to ground truth AI projects.

The role emphasizes manual annotation, protocol development, and collaboration across labs, with on‑site facilities and advancement opportunities in a fast‑paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biology-related field with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Experience with image annotation, segmentation, or microscopy is preferred.
• Ability to follow written guidelines and contribute to protocols.

Responsibilities

• Gain knowledge of annotation software and data collection tools.
• Collect data from multidimensional images and videos.
• Review and correct generated annotations; perform quality control on large datasets.
• Provide feedback on image quality and software performance.
• Prepare datasets for annotation and contribute to documentation.

Skills

Computers proficiency

3D visualization

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Independent problem solving

Written protocols

Image annotation

Education

Bachelor's degree in cellular biology or neuroscience

Tools

Annotation software

Job description

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

About the Role

The 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 lightmicroscopy videos, and behavioral labeling from animal experimental video. The combination of projects and emphasis changes over time, requiring agile adaptation to specific requirements. Annotation 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.

What We Provide

• On‑job training on current tools, protocols, and techniques
• Competitive compensation with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• Amenities that enhance work‑life balance such as on‑site childcare, a free gym, social and dining spaces, convenient shuttlebus service from the Washington D.C. metro area, on‑campus housing, and options for education assistance
• A diverse team looking forward to exploring how your unique background, talents, and interests could contribute to PTR's ability to support science at Janelia

What You'll Do

• Gain in-depth knowledge of commercial and custom annotation software
• Collect relevant data from multidimensional images and videos
• Review and correct automatically or manually generated annotations
• Perform quality control on large datasets, including screening work produced by other team members
• Provide feedback on image quality, software performance, and annotation challenges
• Report biological observations arising from the data
• Communicate effectively with the team manager, project leads, researchers, and support groups at Janelia
• Prepare datasets for annotation, contribute to protocol development and documentation, and serve as a point of contact for collaborating researchers

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience in cellular biology, neuroscience, or related field
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers
• Ability to mentally visualize complex three-dimensional structures
• Ability to perform detailed, repetitive work while sustaining close attention
• Ability to understand and apply written guidelines consistentlyGood organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate efficiently with team members and collaborators
• Work experience in a team‑oriented environment and skills to be a good team player
• Interest in engaging in ground‑breaking research in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to recognize when a case falls outside established standards
• Experience contributing to written protocols or training other team members
• Candidates with four or more years of experience in image annotation, segmentation, microscopy, or a closely related area may be considered for Research Technician III level

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. 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.

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.

Hiring Pay Range

Pay Type: Salary

Research Technician II: $ 45,440.00 - $ 56,800.00

Research Technician III: $ 53,840.00 - $ 67,300.00

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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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