Research Specialist - Metabolic Sensor Design

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

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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.

Intro:

AI@HHMI: HHMI is investing $500 million over the next 10 years to support AI-driven projects and to embed AI systems throughout every stage of the scientific process in labs across HHMI. The AI initiative will be centered at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus. Janelia has been at the forefront of AI-driven research in biology for more than 15 years. Its forward-thinking structure, centralized funding, and collaborative culture make it ideally suited to take this bold leap forward. To learn more about the initiative, visit here.

Apply with a cover letter.

About the role:

The CombinAItorial Sensor Design project is part of HHMI's AI for Science Initiative (ai.hhmi.org) and combines high-throughput optical pooled screening with advanced machine learning to engineer genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors faster and more effectively than ever before. These biosensors enable researchers to visualize metabolic and other cellular processes at single-cell, high spatiotemporal resolution. By integrating protein engineering, AI-driven directed evolution, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and in situ sequencing, our team is building a generalist biosensor optimization platform that will transform the pace and scope of biosensor development and make custom sensor engineering accessible to the broader scientific community. We are looking for a Research Specialist to help with most aspects of the project and help lead the laboratory efforts.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• A supportive team environment that promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• The opportunity to engage with world-class researchers, software engineers and AI/ML experts, contribute to impactful science, and be part of a dynamic community committed to advancing humanity's understanding of fundamental scientific questions.
• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

What you'll do:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute pooled optical screening experiments for biosensor libraries.
• Design and clone DNA libraries of protein variants
• Perform and oversee cell culture, transfection, sample preparation, and assay execution.
• Operate and maintain fluorescence microscopy systems, including FLIM.
• Work closely with AI and data analysis teams to ensure data quality, data annotation, and data transfer.
• Optimize workflows to improve throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
• May supervise and mentor a research technician, assisting in experimental execution.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, results, and protocol modifications.

What you bring:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, bioengineering, biophysics, or related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy.
• Demonstrated ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize complex experimental workflows.
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening methods and/or in situ sequencing.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and image analysis pipelines (preferred).
• Background in protein engineering or biosensor development (preferred).
• Experience collaborating with computational or machine learning teams (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.

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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 Benefits at HHMI 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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Client-provided location(s): Ashburn, VA

Job ID: HHMI-R-3831

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-09-10T20:05:14