HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.
Summary:
HHMI’s Science Education department works to engage, educate, and inspire people everywhere with opportunities for faculty at colleges and universities to participate in national collaborative research projects managed through the Science Education Alliance (SEA) program, comprehensive educational tools and resources developed and managed through the BioInteractive program, and student-centered initiatives managed through the Success in Science program.
The SEA program supports hundreds of science faculty at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the US to implement research in the early undergraduate science curriculum. Organized as an inclusive research and education community (“iREC”), SEA provides instructor training and technical expertise, centralized research infrastructure, and operational and scientific coordination to enable the full participation in research of faculty and students at all types of colleges and universities.
The Research Specialist II is central to ensuring the smooth functioning of SEA’s research operations. This role will be involved in handling and propagating biological samples such as bacteria, phages, and DNA, managing the distributing of samples between collaborating labs, managing associated data and communications, and coordinating program meetings.
The Research Specialist II works closely with SEA program managers, laboratory staff, and the director to support SEA’s research operations and to continually improve workflows for efficiency and productivity. This position requires life science education, research experience, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
This role is approximately 75% lab work and 25% administrative duties.
This is an in-person position based primarily in the SEA laboratory and offices on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with regular interactions with staff at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
What we offer:
Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Work closely with a passionate, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing HHMI’s mission and strategic goals in the realm of research and science education.
Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.
What you will do:
Handling, processing, and tracking large volumes of bacteria, phages, and DNA samples.
Preparing phages for archiving and long-term storage.
Propagating and preparing bacteria and phages for distribution.
Operating laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, lyophilizers, and other research instruments.
Reviewing and validating research data entries for thousands of biological samples.
Coordinating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) with HHMI, UMBC, and third-party institutions.
Packaging, documenting, and shipping biological materials in compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and tracking shipments.
Managing and tracking communications with collaborators.
Ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols and proper handling of biological materials.
Coordinating logistics for meetings and workshops, including travel arrangements, materials procurement, and on-site support (note: support of SEA meetings and workshops often requires overnight stays at meeting/workshop sites).
Reviewing workflows to improve efficiency.
Collaborating across SEA teams and with Science Education staff at HHMI Headquarters to ensure alignment with organizational goals and practices.
Handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
What you bring:
Master’s or equivalent degree in the life sciences, PhD preferred.
5+ years working in a lab, microbiology lab experience preferred.
Experience organizing events, ideally in an academic or nonprofit setting.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment.
As part of your application, please submit the following:
A one-page cover letter (required) stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission. If you do not submit a cover letter as requested, your application may not be considered.
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. #LI-RK1
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.
Compensation Range
$78,225.00 (minimum) - $97,800.00 (midpoint) - $127,155.00 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMI’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.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
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