Study Support Technician I – Aquatics (Temp-to-Hire) (Multiple Positions)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) – Janelia Research Campus seeks Aquatics Technicians to provide standard animal husbandry and technical support for larval zebrafish and Danionella.

This 3-month temporary position offers hands-on experience in a collaborative neuroscience program, with potential extension or permanence based on business needs; responsibilities include feeding, tank maintenance, data recording, and assisting with breeding setups.

Qualifications

• College degree in life science or related field.
• Six months of experience with vertebrate animals.
• Experience in a basic or applied science research setting.
• Ability to identify changes in animal health and welfare.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry and care for aquatic species (feed, tanks, daily observations, water filtration).
• Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
• Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species.
• Assist with breeding units and basic procedures (crossing, fin clips, injections).
• Use databases for animal recordkeeping and inventory management.
• Record data and help with supply stocking and maintenance.

Skills

Life science degree

Vertebrate animals

Lab experience

Independent worker

MS Office/Google Docs

Collaborative team

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life science

Tools

MS Office/Google Docs

Job description

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

About Janelia Janelia Research Campus is an HHMI research institute built to tackle scientific problems beyond what any single lab or company could sustain. Janelia's next decade centers on two big bets: mapping how a vertebrate brain produces complex behavior, and building "AI-in-the-Loop Discovery," where scientists and AI work together to analyze data, design experiments, and drive discovery at a new scale. Larval zebrafish and Danionella are key to the first bet. Zebrafish are where Janelia is building the whole-brain imaging pipelines that a viable Danionella platform will depend on, and Danionella - transparent throughout its life - offers a path toward imaging the whole brain of an adult vertebrate during natural, complex behavior, something never before achieved. As this work scales, Janelia's AAALAC-accredited Vivarium is growing its Aquatics program.

About the Role

This position provides standard animal husbandry and technical support services in the Aquatics department. Under minimal supervision, the role focuses on ensuring the highest standard of animal care and welfare while supporting Janelia researchers working with larval zebrafish and Danionella.

We are hiring multiple Aquatics Technicians across both areas to support this growth. Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs.

What We Provide

An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment supporting Janelia's whole-brain vertebrate neuroscience program. A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration. Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Molecular Genomics, Viral Tools, Quantitative Genomics, Fly Facility, and other Vivarium teams.

What You'll Do

• Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple aquatic species (e.g., providing feed, clean tanks, daily observations of each animal, and water filtration system maintenance).


• Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.


• Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.


• Provide other minor technical support for species housed (e.g., crossing, fin clips, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.


• Set up breeding units of zebrafish and Danionella as directed.


• Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including but not limited to animal housing and study support.


• Assist with receiving, stocking, and maintenance of all supply inventories.


• Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.

What You Bring

• College degree in life science or a related field preferred.


• Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.


• Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.


• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.


• Ability to identify changes in an animal's behavior or health and provide basic prescribed treatments.


• Enthusiastic and self-motivated individual, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and learn tasks quickly.


• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.


• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing team environment to accomplish mutual goals.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, management, outside contractors, and vendors.

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).

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.

Salary / Pay Range

Hiring Pay Range $20.00 - $22.47 Pay Type: Hourly. 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 & 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.

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

About HHMI

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long-term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time.

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.

Accommodations & Rights

Contact us at [e-mail] if you require an accommodation related to completing the job application. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. 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).