Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in neuroscience and imaging. 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 a small number of scientific questions with potential for transformative impact. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community. It is a uniquely innovative and collaborative atmosphere that reflects HHMI’s reputation for excellence.
About the role:
In this role, you will provide advanced vivarium support by cleaning, sanitizing, maintaining and repairing all animal caging materials, cagewash equipment, and vivarium spaces to support scientific research at Janelia. This will include caging for a variety of laboratory animal species, including, but not limited to mice, rats, and zebrafish. Under minimal supervision, the position will be focused on meeting the needs of the vivarium and exhibiting good time management. This will support the Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment.
Please note, this is a 6 month temporary position.
What we provide:
A competitive compensation package
A healthy work-life balance, free gyms, vibrant social and dining spaces, and shuttle bus service
Multiple shifts available
What you’ll do:
Operate equipment in the cagewash facility; including a rack washer, robotic index washer and autoclave, according to safety guidelines.
Sanitize, maintain, and repair caging materials as needed.
Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all facility requirements.
Perform quality control measures on the equipment and maintain appropriate logs for the information.
Monitor daily operation of cagewash equipment, including proper function, and maintenance.
Report any equipment malfunction(s) to the Supervisor.
Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed. (e.g. written records, charts, logs and inventories.)
Assist with the receipt, stocking, and maintenance of supply inventories.
Actively interact with customers as required to resolve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints and to provide technical assistance.
Maintain consistent practice of general company and safety policies and procedures and SDS guidelines, including those related to chemical and biological hazards.
Performs all duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Dispose of animal carcasses, biohazards, and chemical hazards following established procedures.
Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.
What you bring:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
One year post high school experience working with mechanical washing equipment; minimum of six (6) months experience working in a research animal facility preferred.
Enthusiasm and self-motivation, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to learn tasks quickly.
Skilled in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
Ability to balance multiple requests and assignments.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team effort.
Ability to make and meet commitments
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment to accomplish mutual goals.
Excellent interpersonal and communication, written and verbal, skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, and management.
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).
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.
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’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 equity 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.
As a nonprofit research organization and philanthropy, HHMI’s mission is to advance the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. We employ scientists, provide research and education grants, offer free classroom resources, and share stories of science with audiences worldwide. Across all our work, we encourage talented scientists, educators, and students to stay curious, pursue tough scientific questions, and contribute to making science more inclusive.