Research Technician - Viral Tools

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

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Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in neuroscience and imaging. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually distinctive environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work.   Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders pursue a small number of scientific questions with potential for transformative impact.  We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.  It is a uniquely innovative and collaborative atmosphere that reflects HHMI’s reputation for excellence.

Summary:

This position is to provide virus production services to HHMI scientists and the Janelia Research Campus to support their research in neurobiology, tool development, and physiology. The candidate is expected to perform scientific procedures under the supervision of management and senior members in the lab, analyze experimental/quality control data using professional judgment, report and record problems encountered, and support general lab maintenance.

The Research Technician will actively contribute to the research results of the facility and must have the following:

• Approaches projects and deadlines with a “can-do” attitude.

• Practices problem resolution and working toward solutions that are mutually satisfactory.

• Provides responsive, timely follow-up.

• Be responsible for ones’ own actions and taking responsibility for overall operation of the facility and equipment.

• Organized and detail oriented.

• Approaches tasks with team spirit dedicated to enabling the scientific mission of HHMI and the Janelia Research Campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain cell lines and monitor for bacterial and mycoplasma contamination.

• Maintain laboratory stocks, sample storage, ordering, and general lab maintenance.

• Aid in virus production using BSL2 cell culture and molecular cloning techniques.

• Perform quality control assays for virus preparations (qPCR, FACS, infectious titer assays, and western blots).

• Understanding the difference of each virus system and handling each virus properly.

• Good organizational skills with detailed records to keep track of multiple samples.

• Weekend, holiday, and after hours work as required to meet operational needs

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology or related field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience.

Experience:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in BSL2 cell culture and molecular biology with two to four years of related research experience as a Research Technician or equivalent.

Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced skills in BSL2 cell culture techniques.

• Advanced skills in molecular biology.

• Ability to interact effectively with HHMI and non-HHMI personnel at all levels.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, plan and organize daily duties.

• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision

• Ability to do troubleshooting, use good judgment, minimize human errors and work efficiently.

• Ability to learn and explore new technologies.

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. 

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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer