Research Technician - Histology

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Ashburn, VA

23d

About The Position

The Histology Shared Resource at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus is searching for a Research Technician III. In this role, you will use your experience with whole animal and tissue fixation, sectioning, labeling, and mounting tissue for microscopic examination. In addition, you may collaborate with researchers to develop and optimize new techniques such as tissue clearing, expansion microscopy, and large-scale RNA labeling. All in support of research to develop new molecular tools and imaging, to understand neuronal circuits involved in natural behaviors, and to see how cells work and communicate across tissues and whole organisms. An ideal candidate has a bachelors in a life science field and/or certification as a Histology Technician with lab experience and a foundational knowledge of neuroscience. We are seeking someone proficient in performing research-based histology techniques and experience handling fish and rodents, as well as previous experience troubleshooting and optimizing histology techniques and protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other life science or HT (ASCP) certification. (An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.)
• 4 years of related laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the preparation of buffers and solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a vibratome and cryostat.
• Experience handling fish and rodents.
• Experience trouble-shooting protocols.
• Ability to interact with collaborators at all levels, including senior scientific management, project scientists, Janelia lab heads, visitors (domestic and international), and scientific support staff.
• Strong communication skills to update team members, supervisors, and researchers on the status of projects and work in progress.
• Proven ability to work within time constraints to achieve experimental results.
• Strong time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience working in a shared resource or core facility.
• Some experience as a project lead or point of contact.

Responsibilities

• Interact and communicate directly with users during intake and completion of projects.
• Assist in training users on routine techniques and laboratory equipment.
• Perform whole animal fixation and tissue dissection of fish and rodents.
• Section, using vibratomes and cryostats, fixed and fresh-frozen tissue for histological experiments.
• Mount, stain, and cover tissue sections on microscope slides.
• Assist team members with techniques that require changing solutions at defined intervals.
• Perform standard tissue labeling techniques (e.g. H&E, silver stain, DAPI, etc).
• Perform immuno-histochemistry (IHC), in-situ hybridizations, or other labeling techniques on tissue sections.
• Assist with tissue clearing on whole mount specimens.
• Maintain detailed documentation of work performed.
• Read and follow established protocols.
• Assist in the optimization of protocols for new techniques and tissue types.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Gaining hands-on experiences and knowledge of various histology techniques in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• Professional memberships to histology and core facility organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level