Research Specialist - Expansion Microscopy

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

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

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 motivated and skilled Scientist with a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or Bioengineering to drive the development of cutting-edge Expansion Microscopy (ExM) technologies. This position will play a central part in advancing ExM-based methodologies for both invertebrate (Fly) and vertebrate (Fish) model organisms.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with leadership skills to design, implement, and scale ExM approaches, while also contributing to the integration of these methods into high-throughput data collection pipelines for the AI@ HHMI Initiative. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background in molecular tools, light microscopy-based method development, method benchmarking, diverse light microscopy imaging methodologies, including confocal, expansion, and light-sheet microscopy, data analysis, and project management.

What We Provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment across diverse fields.

• An intellectually compelling environment that encourages broad thinking and problem-solving.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development, optimization, and benchmarking of Expansion Microscopy protocols for diverse model organisms, with general supervision.

• Perform hands-on bench research, including tissue preparation, sample processing, and microscopy imaging to generate high-quality datasets.

• Develop scalable workflows to increase data throughput

• Analyze complex datasets, in particular image processing and analysis, troubleshoot workflows, and ensure reproducibility and rigor.

•  Assist with project leadership, coordinating efforts with collaborators, and guiding the work of technicians.

• Contribute to publications, presentations, and reporting of research outcomes.

• Maintain a 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 Polymer Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or Bioengineering.

• 1-2 years post-PhD experience preferred but not required.

• Collaborative mindset and a commitment to transparent and timely communication.

• A strong background in biological sample preparation and light microscopy; experience in hydrogel-based tissue engineering and/or expansion microscopy is an asset.

• Mindset for method-development.

• 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.

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