Research Technician - Viral Tools

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

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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.

About the role:

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.

About the department:

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. For more information about the Janelia Viral Tools, please visit

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with 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.

What you'll do:

• 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.

What you bring:

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

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 or other hazardous materials.


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.

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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.


Compensation Range
$45,760.00 (minimum) - $57,200.00 (midpoint) - $74,360.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Annual

HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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