Research Technician - Project Technical Resources (Temp-to-Hire)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA seeks three full-time technicians to engage in annotation and image analysis across diverse projects. Temp-to-hire with training, then supervised work on multiple projects under the team manager or scientific lead.

Prior relevant experience may lead to immediate HHMI employment. Responsibilities include using annotation software, handling 3D EM or lightsheet imaging data, and contributing to ground-truth data for AI

Qualifications

• Proficiency with computers and basic software
• Experience working in a team-oriented environment and ability to be a good team player
• Strong organizational and communication skills within a collaborative setting

Responsibilities

• Gain knowledge of commercial and custom annotation software
• Collect data from multidimensional images and videos
• Review/correct automatically or manually generated annotations
• Provide feedback on image quality and software performance
• Report biological observations and annotation challenges
• Perform computer automated analysis and quality control on large datasets
• Prepare preparative work for experiments and routine lab chores

Skills

Computers

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor or Associate degree in biology, biomedical engineering, or computer science

Job description

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

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is apioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientistspursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integratedteams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-buildersinnovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’sdeepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing anintellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative,collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, andtools with the scientific community.

About the Role:

The PTR- BioImage Analysis team within Project TechnicalResources (PTR) is seeking three full -time technicians who want toengage in a v ariety of annotation and image analysis projects .This will include segmentation of 3D electron microscopy datasetsor lightsheet images of expanded tissues, cell tracking in 4D lightmicroscopy videos, and annotation of fish behavior . Thecombination of projects and emphasis may change over time,requiring agile adaptation to the specific requirements .Annotations will typically serve as ground truth for automatedimage processing pipelines that are being established in thecontext of AI@HHMI projects. Technicians will often be involved inat least two different projects.

Temp-to-hire applicants will be trained in all required techniquesupon starting work. After training, technicians will work undersupervision by the team’s manager and/or scientific project lead,collaborating with other team members, labs/project teams, andsupport groups. Please note: This is a 2-month temporary positionwith the potential to be extended or become permanent, dependent onsuccessful training. Applicants with significant prior experiencein relevant work may be considered for immediate HHMIemployment.

What We Provide:

• Gain research experience in a collaborative and supportiveresearch environment.
• A diverse team looking forward to exploring how your uniquebackground, talents, and interests could contribute to PTRs abilityto support science at Janelia.

What You'll Do:

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of using commercial and customannotation software
• Collect relevant data from multidimensional images andvideos
• Review/correct automatically or manually generatedannotations
• Provide feedback about image quality and/or softwareperformance
• Provide feedback on annotation challenges and report biologicalobservations
• Perform computer automated analysis and quality control onlarge data sets
• Perform preparative work for experiments or other routine labchores as required

What You Bring:

• Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experiencein biology, biomedical engineering, or computer science
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers
• 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
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate efficiently with collaborators

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extendedperiods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) orarm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for exampleusing a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to moveabout workspace. The position requires mobility, including theability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as alaptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure tomalodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxicchemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances orother hazardous materials. Good color vision, ability to visualize in 3D, ability to sit forseveral hours at a computer or microscope (with breaks), fine motorskills. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties,responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed asan exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word“may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described aboveare “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americanswith Disabilities Act.

Hiring Pay Range

Research Technician I (hourly): $ 18.40 - $ 23.03

Research Technician II (salary): $ 45,760.00 - $ 57,200.00

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of theanticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time ofposting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’squalifications, experience, and internal equity.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective inmany ways for their contributions to our mission, includingcompetitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans,time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visitour Benefits atHHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employmenteligibility of all new hires.