Research Specialist – Viral Tools Full-time

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:

The Research Specialist in virology will be a pivotal member of the Viral Tools team, focusing on a new viral tool service, HSV-1 amplicon, 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 designing and packaging HSV-1 amplicon constructs and developing/optimizing protocols and corresponding reagents. The ideal candidate will possess critical thinking, expertise in HSV-1 virology, and hands-on skills with molecular biology techniques to create constructs and related reagents needed for classic and modern virology.

About the Department:

The Janelia Viral Tools facility specializes in custom virus production with high titer and high-quality standards. We aim to fulfill 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.
• Hands-on experiences and knowledge of various viral tools in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Cell Biology Operations, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Genomics, Quantitative Genomics, Aquatics, and other Vivarium teams.
• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
• Professional memberships to virology and core facility organizations.

What you’ll do:

• Responsible for the HSV-1 amplicon services pipeline within the Viral Tools team, from creating constructs to delivery of packaged viruses to research labs or other shared resources teams.
• Independently organize the workload for HSV-1 amplicon design, cloning, packaging using BSL2 cell culture, titering, labeling, and delivery.
• Perform quality control assays, including digital PCR, qPCR, FACS, infectious titer assays, western blots, etc.
• Communicate with researchers and management on the schedule and status of the requests and other updates related to services.
• Perform scientific procedures independently, interpret experimental results using professional judgment, troubleshoots problems encountered, and conducts a literature review to explore new technologies.
• Maintain 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 HSV-1 vector.

What you bring:

• M.S. degree or higher degree in virology or equivalent in education with a minimum of 5 years of research experience.
• Advanced skills in BSL2 cell culture techniques.
• Advanced skills in virology and molecular biology.
• Ability to interact effectively with Janelia and HHMI personnel at all levels.
• Ability to work independently with minimum direct supervision
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, plan and organize daily duties.
• Ability to troubleshoot, use good judgment, minimize human errors and work efficiently.
• Prior experience with HSV-1 vector biology or classic HSV virology is highly 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.

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
$67,540.00 (minimum) – $84,400.00 (midpoint) – $109,780.00 (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 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.

Tagged as: Life Sciences