Research Technician – Liu Lab

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.

The Liu lab is interested in understanding the cellular and circuit
mechanisms underlying communication between the respiratory and
nervous systems. We combine molecular, genetic, imaging, and
whole-animal physiology approaches to investigate how internal
states of the lungs are encoded by sensory neurons and downstream
circuits and how these signals regulate physiology and
behavior.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and well-organized Research
Technician to contribute to our research on lung–brain
communication and support the lab's transition to a new
institution.

The Research Technician will perform mouse surgeries, tissue
staining and imaging, and molecular assays to investigate the
anatomical and molecular properties of the pulmonary sensory
circuit. In addition to experimental research, the Research
Technician will help maintain laboratory records, organize research
protocols and inventory, and track mouse colonies. These
responsibilities will be particularly important during the lab's
transition and establishment at a new institution.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience working
with mice, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail,
and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques. Prior
experience with animal surgery is highly preferred, while
experience in histology, microscopy, or RNA in situ hybridization
would be advantageous.

We are looking for someone interested in a long-term research staff
position who is willing to relocate with the lab to a new
institution within the next 1–2 years.

About Janelia

Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn,
Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in biology.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched Janelia in
2006, establishing an intellectually distinctive environment for
scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work.

Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and
tool-builders pursue scientific questions with the potential for
transformative impact. We share our methods, results, and tools
with the scientific community.

To learn more about Janelia, please visit https://www.hhmi.org/research/janelia
.

What we provide

• One-on-one mentoring and scientific training with the lab

head.

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly

collaborative research environment.

• Opportunities to develop expertise in animal surgery, advanced

molecular assays, imaging, and computational analysis.

• Opportunities to interact with experts in neuroscience, cell

biology, genetics, imaging, and computational biology.

• Opportunities to contribute to the establishment and

development of a research laboratory at a new institution.

• Opportunities to attend scientific workshops and

conferences.

What you'll do

Experimental research

• Perform mouse surgeries for cell population targeting,

physiological monitoring, and neural activity recording.

• Perform tissue dissection, fixation, and immunostaining.
• Conduct confocal and light-sheet microscopy and assist with

image acquisition, organization, and analysis.

• Learn, implement, and perform multiplexed fluorescence in situ

hybridization (FISH) to characterize gene expression in
tissues.

• Optimize experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical

problems, and maintain consistent experimental quality.

• Work collaboratively with other lab members on ongoing research

projects.

Laboratory organization and transition support

• Maintain accurate records of mouse colonies, including

breeding, genotyping, and experimental use.

• Organize and maintain laboratory inventory, including reagents,

supplies, and experimental materials.

• Maintain and document laboratory protocols to ensure

reproducibility and facilitate training.

• Assist with the organization, transfer, and establishment of

laboratory resources and research workflows during the transition
to a new institution.

• Help maintain an organized and efficient laboratory

environment.

What you bring

Required qualifications

• A bachelor's or master's degree in biology, neuroscience, or a

related field, with relevant laboratory research experience.

• At least three years of hands-on experience working with

laboratory mice, including animal handling and experimental
procedures.

• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to

maintain accurate and detailed experimental records.

• Excellent attention to detail, reliability, and ability to

follow established experimental protocols.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability

to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Willingness to learn new experimental techniques and adapt to

evolving research needs.

• Willingness to relocate with the lab to a new institution.

Highly preferred qualifications

• Experience performing survival surgeries in mice, including

anesthesia, aseptic surgical procedures, and postoperative
care.

Additional preferred qualifications

• Experience with tissue dissection, histology,

immunohistochemistry, or whole-mount staining.

• Experience with RNA in situ hybridization, particularly

fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or multiplexed RNA
detection methods.

• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy,

or light-sheet microscopy.

• Experience with mouse colony management, laboratory inventory,

and protocol documentation.

• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing experimental

techniques.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended
periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hands or arms;
dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers; communication skills
using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal
parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position
requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing
up to several pounds.

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. 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.

Hiring Pay Range

Research Technician II: $45,440.00 - $56,800.00

Research Technician III: $ 53,840.00 - $ 67,300.00

Pay Type:

Salary

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the
anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of
posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s
qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

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

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eligibility of all new hires.