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

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, is seeking three full‑time technicians to engage in annotation and image analysis projects across diverse datasets.

Technicians will study segmentation of 3D electron microscopy datasets or lightsheet images, track cells in 4D videos, and annotate fish behavior, supporting AI@HHMI pipelines. This is a 2‑month temporary position with potential to extend or become permanent, with training after onboarding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experience in biology, biomedical engineering, or computer science
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers
• Team-oriented environment and good team-player
• Interest in engaging in ground-breaking research in a fast-paced environment
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with collaborators

Responsibilities

• Gain in-depth knowledge of using commercial and custom annotation software
• Collect relevant data from multidimensional images and videos
• Review/correct automatically or manually generated annotations
• Provide feedback about image quality and/or software performance
• Provide feedback on annotation challenges and report biological observations
• Perform computer automated analysis and quality control on large data sets
• Perform preparative work for experiments or other routine lab chores as required

Education

Bachelor/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 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 PTR‑BioImage Analysis team within Project Technical Resources (PTR) is seeking three full‑time technicians who want to engage in a variety of annotation and image analysis projects. This will include segmentation of 3D electron microscopy datasets or lightsheet images of expanded tissues, cell tracking in 4D light microscopy videos, and annotation of fish behavior. The combination of projects and emphasis may change over time, requiring agile adaptation to the specific requirements. Annotations will typically serve as ground truth for automated image processing pipelines that are being established in the context of AI@HHMI projects. Technicians will often be involved in at least two different projects. Please note: This is a 2‑month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs. Temp‑to‑hire applicants will be trained in all required techniques upon starting work. After training, technicians will work under supervision by the team’s manager and/or scientific project lead, collaborating with other team members, labs/project teams, and support groups. Applicants with significant prior experience in relevant work may be considered for immediate HHMI employment.

What We Provide

Gain research experience in a collaborative and supportive research environment. A diverse team looking forward to exploring how your unique background, talents, and interests could contribute to PTRs ability to support science at Janelia.

What You’ll Do

• Gain an in‑depth knowledge of using commercial and custom annotation software
• Collect relevant data from multidimensional images and videos
• Review/correct automatically or manually generated annotations
• Provide feedback about image quality and/or software performance
• Provide feedback on annotation challenges and report biological observations
• Perform computer automated analysis and quality control on large data sets
• Perform preparative work for experiments or other routine lab chores as required

What You Bring

• Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experience in 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 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
• Good color vision, ability to visualize in 3D, ability to sit for several hours at a computer or microscope (with breaks), 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.

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 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 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

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

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results‑driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we’re taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).