Senior Scientific Officer

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

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

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Scientific Officer or Senior Scientific Officer

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) seeks scientists interested in a unique professional opportunity to serve as a Scientific Officer or Senior Scientific Officer. Scientific Officers serve as liaisons to HHMI Investigators at universities and research centers in the U.S. regarding scientific and administrative matters.  They organize and attend all HHMI Science Meetings held at headquarters or the Janelia Research Campus (JRC).  Their activities include participating in the management of HHMI’s Investigator reviews, competitions for new HHMI Investigators, Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, and Hanna Gray Fellows, and in the development of policies for Science Department operations.  They also interact with HHMI leadership in the Science Education Department and at Janelia Research Campus, as well as in Communications and the Office of General Counsel to coordinate institute operations.  Active scientists may maintain research activities at their institution for a proportion of their effort, including travel to their laboratories on a regular basis.

This is a full-time position that is eligible for remote work. Relocation to the Washington DC area is welcomed but not required. For those who choose to relocate, HHMI currently has a hybrid model at the Institute headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

HHMI is an intellectually exciting organization.  The professional atmosphere at the Institute headquarters is highly interactive and heavily focused on science and scientists.  Operations and program development are nimble and creative with a focus on promoting the best possible institutional framework for cutting-edge science that focuses on people, not projects.  All aspects of the Scientific Officer position draw on the individual’s scientific experience and management skills with a strong focus on excellent scientific judgment, common sense, and a collaborative working style.  Candidates in all areas of basic biological and biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply (click here for a list of current Scientific Officers).

We expect to continue to build a diverse group of Scientific Officers to bring a variety of perspectives and insight into HHMI’s programs that respond to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (see www.diversity.hhmi.org ).

Education:

M.D. and/or Ph.D. plus significant experience overseeing research in basic biological and biomedical sciences required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent scientific judgment and broad scientific interests

• Demonstrated leadership ability and management skills

• Effective decision-making, negotiation, communication, and mediation skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to be collegial and work as part of a team

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster a collaborative research environment

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Interest in mentoring and supporting HHMI scientists at all career stages

• Strength and interest in scientific, programmatic, and policy writing

• Understanding of the importance of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science

• As needed, being available for travel to host institutions, including overnight stays during the work week

• Available to participate in evening activities that are associated with Science Meetings

Experience:

Senior Scientific Officer: Experience as a Principal Investigator of grants or contracts, including current or past funding by nationally competitive grants (DOE, DOD, NSF, NIH), and a record of publications in peer-reviewed, scientific research journals. The scientific research of the Senior Scientific Officer is recognized by peers as a significant contribution to advancing their field.

A minimum of 15 years of experience:

• running a research laboratory (following first appointment as tenure-track assistant professor or equivalent) including

• at least 5 years of experience leading major academic programs or an academic department or with similar duties at a major research institute

Significant administrative experience such as overseeing graduate programs, MD/PhD programs, leadership in national societies, or on journal/grant review boards, federally funded center grants, or other significant administrative roles, is required.

Experience:

Scientific Officer: Experience as a Principal Investigator of grants or contracts, including current or past funding by nationally competitive grants (DOE, DOD, NSF, NIH), and a record of publications in peer-reviewed, scientific research journals. The scientific research of the Scientific Officer is recognized by peers as a significant contribution to advancing their field.

The candidate should have:

• 7 – 10 years of experience running a research laboratory (following first appointment as tenure-track assistant professor or equivalent)

• demonstrated leadership in their scientific field

Strongly desired but not required: administrative experience such as overseeing graduate programs, MD/PhD programs, leadership in national societies, or on journal/grant review boards, federally funded center grants, or other significant administrative roles

Application Instructions:

As part of your application, please attach:

• A letter of interest that includes a high-level summary of the breadth of your scientific interests, your experience in science administration, your views on how to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and how HHMI can advance these principles through our science programs (2-page max)

• A CV or resume that speaks to the position and supports the letter of interest (3-page max)

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. 

 

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. 

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