Research Specialist II – Science Education Alliance

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Headquarters, KY

18d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

HHMI’s Science Education department works to engage, educate, and inspire people everywhere with opportunities for faculty at colleges and universities to participate in national collaborative research projects managed through the Science Education Alliance (SEA) program, comprehensive educational tools and resources developed and managed through the BioInteractive program, and student-centered initiatives managed through the Success in Science program. The SEA program supports hundreds of science faculty at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the US to implement research in the early undergraduate science curriculum. Organized as an inclusive research and education community (“iREC”), SEA provides instructor training and technical expertise, centralized research infrastructure, and operational and scientific coordination to enable the full participation in research of faculty and students at all types of colleges and universities.

The Research Specialist II is central to ensuring the smooth functioning of SEA’s research operations. This role will be involved in handling and propagating biological samples such as bacteria, phages, and DNA, managing the distributing of samples between collaborating labs, managing associated data and communications, and coordinating program meetings. The Research Specialist II works closely with SEA program managers, laboratory staff, and the director to support SEA’s research operations and to continually improve workflows for efficiency and productivity. This position requires life science education, research experience, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail. This role is approximately 75% lab work and 25% administrative duties. This is an in-person position based primarily in the SEA laboratory and offices on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with regular interactions with staff at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.

Requirements

• Master’s or equivalent degree in the life sciences, PhD preferred.
• 5+ years working in a lab, microbiology lab experience preferred.
• Experience organizing events, ideally in an academic or nonprofit setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Handling, processing, and tracking large volumes of bacteria, phages, and DNA samples.
• Preparing phages for archiving and long-term storage.
• Propagating and preparing bacteria and phages for distribution.
• Operating laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, lyophilizers, and other research instruments.
• Reviewing and validating research data entries for thousands of biological samples.
• Coordinating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) with HHMI, UMBC, and third-party institutions.
• Packaging, documenting, and shipping biological materials in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and tracking shipments.
• Managing and tracking communications with collaborators.
• Ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols and proper handling of biological materials.
• Coordinating logistics for meetings and workshops, including travel arrangements, materials procurement, and on-site support (note: support of SEA meetings and workshops often requires overnight stays at meeting/workshop sites).
• Reviewing workflows to improve efficiency.
• Collaborating across SEA teams and with Science Education staff at HHMI Headquarters to ensure alignment with organizational goals and practices.
• Handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Benefits

• Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Work closely with a passionate, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing HHMI’s mission and strategic goals in the realm of research and science education.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees