Research Technician - Rubin Lab

hhmi; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site childcare

On-site gym

Campus housing

Social and dining spaces

Shuttle service to DC metro

Job summary

HHMI, located at 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, is seeking a driven Research Technician with a biology background to contribute to a multiyear project studying protein complexes in neurons and glia. The entry-level role welcomes candidates with undergraduate lab experience and a strong eagerness to learn and grow technical skills.

The successful candidate will document procedures, assist with sample preparation for imaging, and collaborate with a team while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology (or related life sciences) required.
• Undergraduate laboratory experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn and be trained in new techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine lab tasks such as plasmid DNA purification and PCR following established protocols.
• Assist with collecting fly samples and preparing/processing tissue for data collection and microscopy imaging.
• 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 in a team-based environment.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Job description

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

Intro

We are engaged in a multiyear project to determine the compositions and cellular locations of hundreds of evolutionarily conserved protein complexes used by neurons and glia. This project involves germline genetic engineering in Drosophila to add epitope tags to proteins. These tags allow determination of cellular locations by advanced imaging methods, and measure protein-protein interactions by affinity purification and mass spectrometry.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician with a bachelor's degree in biology (or a related field of life sciences) to participate in all aspects of this project. 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 routine lab tasks such as plasmid DNA purification and PCR reactions following established protocols
• Assist with collecting fly samples and preparing/processing fly tissue for data collection and 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.

Hiring Pay Range

• Research Technician I (hourly): $ 18.40 - $ 23.03
• Research Technician II (salary): $ 45,760.00 - $ 57,200.00

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

E-Verify

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