Research Technician III – Stern Lab

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

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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.

Lab Overview:

Many aphid species induce dramatic transformations of plant tissue to produce nutrient rich homes, called galls. The Stern Lab studies how aphids hijack plant development to induce galls by injecting a recently discovered family of Bicycle proteins directly into plant cells. We are studying how Bicycle proteins function and how they manipulate plant biology.

About the role:

We are seeking a Research Technician who will work closely with a Research Scientist in the laboratory to perform experiments on the biochemistry of Bicycle proteins. The successful applicant with have substantial prior experience with molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry. Prior experience working with plants, making transgenic plants, performing confocal microscopy and/or performing live imaging of plant cells is an advantage. We work as a highly collaborative team to study these problems and prior experience working successfully with a team in a laboratory is an advantage.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• An opportunity to collaborate on ground breaking science in a supportive environment

• Pioneering research facility and highly collaborative working environment

• Excellent training opportunities with on-site experts in cell biology, neuroscience, genetics, imaging, and computer science.

• Opportunities to attend various scientific workshops and conferences held at Janelia and travel support to conferences outside Janelia.

• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, a free gym, on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service.

What you’ll do:

• Design and perform cloning experiments

• Purify recombinant proteins from bacteria and insect cells following previously established lab protocols

• Optimize purification for new recombinant proteins

• Perform protein interaction experiments and measure interaction affinities

• Generate transgenic plant callus

• Isolate nucleic acids from plant callus

• Use software to analyze and visualize high throughput sequencing data.

• Document progress of daily tasks and long-term projects.

• Develop new protocols when necessary to improve processes.

• Conduct literature reviews to assist in determining the most suitable methods to be used in research.

• Demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students and others.

• Actively contribute to laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

What you bring:

• Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience AND two to four years of related research experience; or, an advanced degree in an appropriate area of science or technology AND one or more years of related laboratory experience.

• Experience with a laboratory model system, and preferably experience working with aphids or other Hemipterans is an advantage.

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

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.

• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, work independently, use good judgment, and monitor completion of assigned duties. Accountable for projects.

• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment.

• Must be able to work in a dynamic and agile environment.

• Must be able to work in a team environment effectively.

• Good documentation and organizational skills.

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.

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. 

Compensation Range

$52,140.00 (minimum) – $65,200.00 (midpoint) – $84,700.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer