Research Specialist – Tavakoli Lab Full-time

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:

We are seeking a highly dedicated and skilled scientist with a PhD in Spatial Transcriptomics, Spatial Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or Bioengineering. This position will be the driving force for developing cutting-edge hydrogel-based technologies to study brain function across scales (from genes to behaviors), including hands-on bench work and data analysis. The ideal candidate will have a strong expertise in spatial omics, method development, method benchmarking, diverse light microscopy imaging methodologies, including confocal, and light-sheet microscopy, hydrogel-tissue engineering, data analysis, and project management. 1-2 years of experience post-PhD is preferred but not required.

Scientific Background:

We have recently developed the LICONN technology for “light microscopy-based connectomics” (Tavakoli et al., 2025) to conduct molecular connectomics studies of the mammalian brain at the synapse-level (including chemical, electrical, and neuromodulatory inputs) and to democratize dense circuit mapping. LICONN combines high-fidelity hydrogel-tissue engineering with click chemistry to comprehensively label the cellular proteome for structural readout and utilizes a widely available diffraction-limited spinning disc confocal microscope (although not limited to this modality) for imaging. A single-step, machine-learning based approach is then applied to automatically reconstruct the brain circuit.

We have demonstrated that LICONN enables rapid data acquisition, quantitative phenotyping, and cross-species genotype-phenotype correlation, facilitating high-throughput and comparative analysis in both healthy and disease-relevant neural contexts (Watson et al., 2024, and Tavakoli et al., 2025). Altogether, LICONN-based technologies provide a powerful platform for high-resolution and molecular-level interrogation of the consequences arising from the (mis)wiring of neural cellular architectures.

About the Lab:

The mission of the research group is to develop novel molecular tools and imaging approaches to understand brain function in health and disease across scales: from genes to circuits and behaviors.

What We Provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, plan and perform method optimization experiments independently
• Perform data analysis and interpretation, in particular image processing and analysis
• Present research reports and scientific data internally and externally in a cross-discipline environment
• Routinely review research activities against goals and adjust as needed
• Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with the relevant scientific literature.

What You Bring:

• Ph.D. or equivalent combination of degree and experience in Spatial omics, (Bio)-Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biological sample preparation and light microscopy, Neuroscience, or Bioengineering. Experience in hydrogel-based tissue engineering is an asset
• 1-2 years post-PhD experience preferred but not required
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude, enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented environment, and a commitment to transparent and timely communication
• Mindset for method-development and a can-do attitude
• Proficient programming skills, particularly for image processing and analysis tasks
• Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills

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 site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$70,290.00 (minimum) – $87,800.00 (midpoint) – $114,180.00 (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.

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Tagged as: Life Sciences