Research Specialist – Quantitative Genomics

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

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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.

Summary:

We are currently searching for a highly motivated Research Specialist in Quantitative Genomics shared resource.  This opportunity is a full-time position, and it is onsite in Ashburn, VA.  We are looking for a talented and driven scientist that will work closely with Janelia labs, project teams, visiting scientists, and other shared resources.  This position will be challenged to combine people skills and lab experience to collaborate, innovate, and support ongoing research goals. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide range of complex procedures and techniques in support of modern next generation sequencing.  This includes all steps upstream and downstream from sequencing.

• Works with a variety of organisms to dissect out tissues and generate single cell suspensions for sequencing.

• Performs FACS and manual sorting (pipette picking under dissecting microscope).

• Performs molecular biology techniques including, but not limited to PCR, qPCR, RNA/DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, and primer design.

• Operates a variety of complex instrumentation, including, but not limited to vibratomes, FACS, liquid handling automation, and NGS sequencers.

• Performs high quality cDNA and library construction, including RNA/DNA purification, QC on Qubit, bioanalyzer or TapeStation.

• Performs standard sequencing data analysis pipeline.

• May lead research projects within the shared resource, including planning and conducting experiments and data analysis.

• Presents oral and written reports concerning the progress of lab projects. This will include the assembly, organization, and interpretation of data.

• Assists in daily operation of the Quantitative Genomics including, but not limited to maintaining lab stocks, supplies and equipment

• Participates in team meeting and contributes to discussions on topics applicable to work performed in the shared resource.

• Maintains accurate, daily records of experiments.

• May be asked to train new team members or other scientists on the protocols and instrument operation.

• Supports the team’s commitment to maintain a workplace that embraces teamwork and inclusivity.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Master of Science degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, or related discipline; plus 2 years of experience in related field, and/or next generation sequencing.

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience performing tissue dissections, cell dissociation, nuclei prep, or proficiency in a wide variety of sample preparation method.

• Demonstrated ability to use fine motor skills under a microscope for micro-dissection and manually picking fluorescent cells from immediately dissociated tissue

• Experience identifying live, dead, healthy, and unhealthy cells

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of RNA/DNA quality

• A strong understanding NGS procedures, library construction, and quality control steps; including but not limited to analyzing the quality and quantity of RNA and DNA; the quality of library preps using bioanalyzer or tapestation.

• Prior experience performing DNA/RNAseq, single cell RNAseq, and/or single cell ATACseq

• Capable of working independently and as part of a team, with troubleshooting and problem-solving procedures and processes for NGS.

• Excellent communication skills to provide consultation on RNA/DNAseq assays, techniques, protocols, and data analysis. 

• Ability to work with a variety of researchers, including lab heads, post-docs, project scientists, visiting scientists, and other scientific support staff

• Demonstrated ability to work within time and budget constraints to drive projects to completion.

• Ability to produce high quality data.

• Capable of rapidly adapting to a variety of specimens and projects, often in parallel.

• Strong time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.

• Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.

• Knowledge of RNAseq data analysis pipelines, including the use of 10x Cell Ranger analysis

• Knowledge of Linux commands, Python, R or other bioinformatic tools are a plus.

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.

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