Temporary Study Support Technician – Aquatics

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

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

About the role:

This position will provide standard services related to animal husbandry and technical procedures in the Aquatics department, however, this individual may also have responsibilities in the rodent departments within the Vivarium . Under minimal supervision the position will be focused on ensuring the highest degree of animal care and welfare while supporting and working with Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment. 

Please note: this is a temporary, six-month temporary position.

About the Vivarium:

The Vivarium at Janelia is an AAALAC accredited facility that supports ground-breaking research in a variety of animal models (currently with a focus on mice, rats, and zebrafish) and is one of the highest regarded in the world. Vivarium operations are designed to enhance scientific progress and impact, while providing best-in-class welfare for, and responsible use of, laboratory animals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closely with our scientists by taking responsibility and ownership of processes that involve animals, but are not data driven, to allow researchers to focus on data intensive tasks.

What we provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.

• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.

• Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Molecular Genomics, Viral Tools, Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genomics, Rodent Transgenics, Fly Facility, and other Vivarium teams.

• Certification(s) with the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

• Flexible working hours.

What you’ll do:

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

• 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. restraining animals, collecting blood, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.

• Set-up breeding units of rodents and zebrafish 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 any other 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.

• Ability to clearly communicate in English, in writing and speech.

• Ability to learn tasks quickly.

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

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team effort.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing 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.

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 Range

$20.00 (minimum) – $28.08 (maximum)

Pay Type: Hourly

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.

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