Research Technician - Viral Tools

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Ashburn, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community. The Research Technician – Virology will be a versatile member of the Viral Tools team to provide multiple viral tool packaging services, including AAV, lenti, rabies, and baculovirus, for Janelia researchers and the broader HHMI scientific community. This role will contribute significantly to the progress of the lab head’s research programs by packaging virus vectors, titering, and delivering AAV, lenti, rabies, and baculoviruses on time. The ideal candidate will possess critical thinking, research experiences in virology, and hands-on skills with classic and modern virology techniques. The Janelia Viral Tools facility specializes in custom virus production with high titer and high-quality standards. We aim to fulfill all the viral tool needs for internal Janelia and external HHMI investigators, from viral construct design to experiment troubleshooting and investigator-specific needs.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in molecular and cellular biology or related field of science or technology or equivalent in education with a minimum of 2 years of research experience.
• Advanced skills in BSL2 cell culture techniques.
• Advanced skills in molecular biology.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, plan and organize daily duties.
• Ability to follow SOPs, use good judgment, minimize human errors, and work efficiently.
• Capability to understand various virus systems and handle them properly.

Nice To Haves

• Prior hands-on experience in any virology field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for AAV, lenti, rabies, and baculovirus production using BSL2 cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Works closely with management on the schedule and reports the status of the requests and other updates related to services.
• Maintains cell lines and monitors for bacterial and mycoplasma contamination.
• Performs quality control assays, including digital PCR, qPCR, FACS, infectious titer assays, western blots, etc.
• Understands the difference between each virus system and handle each virus properly.
• Requires good organizational skills with detailed records to keep track of multiple samples.
• Weekend, holiday, and after-hours work as required to meet operational needs.
• May assist the Viral Tools team with lab maintenance and other lab duties unrelated to AAV, lenti, rabies, and baculovirus.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays when needed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• Gaining hands-on experiences and knowledge of various viral tools in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• Professional memberships to virology and core facility organizations.
• Exceptional health benefits
• Retirement plans
• Time off
• A range of recognition and wellness programs

What This Job Offers

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