Research Technician - Rubin Lab

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 2,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site childcare

Free gyms

Campus housing available

Social and dining spaces

Shuttle service to Janelia from DC

Job summary

HHMI in Ashburn, VA seeks a Research Technician to join a multiyear project studying protein complexes in neurons and glia. A bachelor’s degree in biology or related life sciences is required, with prior lab experience and a collaborative mindset encouraged.

The role involves routine lab tasks, tissue preparation for imaging, documentation of results, and supporting senior lab members to meet deadlines. On-site amenities and professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (or related life sciences) required.
• Undergraduate lab experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn new techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Lab experience

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology (or related life sciences)

Job description

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

Intro:

We are engaged in a multiyear project to determine the compositionsand cellular locations of hundreds of evolutionarily conservedprotein complexes used by neurons and glia. This project involvesgermline genetic engineering in Drosophila to add epitope tags toproteins. These tags allow determination of cellular locations byadvanced imaging methods, and measure protein-protein interactionsby affinity purification and mass spectrometry. To learn more about the Rubin lab, click here

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician with abachelor’s degree in biology (or a related field of life sciences)to participate in all aspects of this project. This entry-levelrole is ideal for someone with prior undergraduate lab experiencewho is eager to learn and develop technical skills. The successfulcandidate will have some lab experience, work efficiently toaccomplish tasks, and thrive in a collaborative environment. Theideal candidate will have strong communication skills, the abilityto problem solve, and be able to work both independently and aspart of a team.

What we provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in acollaborative environment across interdisciplinary fields.
• An intellectually compelling environment that encourages broadthinking and problem-solving.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive healthand welfare benefits.
• Professional development opportunities through internal andexternal conferences and workshops.
• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-sitechildcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social anddining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia fromthe Washington D.C. metro area.

What you’ll do:

• Perform routine lab tasks such as plasmid DNA purification andPCR reactions following established protocols
• Assist with collecting fly samples and preparing/processing flytissue for data collection and microscopy imaging and other basicexperimental procedures
• Accurately document experimental procedures and results
• Support senior lab members with day-to-day researchactivities
• Work efficiently to complete assigned tasks and meetdeadlines
• Collaborate effectively with lab members and contributepositively to a team-based environment

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (or related field of life sciencesor chemistry) or an equivalent combination of education and relatedwork experience.
• Prior hands-on lab experience obtained through undergraduateresearch, internships, or employment.
• Willingness to be trained and learn new techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to follow instructionscarefully, and attention to detail.

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.

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 OpportunityEmployer

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