Research Technician - Project Technical Resources (Temp-to-Hire)

Primary work address: 1970 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

About the Role

The PTR-BioImage Analysis team within Project Technical Resources (PTR) is seeking three full-time technicians to engage in a variety of annotation and image analysis projects. This will include segmentation of 3D electron microscopy datasets or lightsheet images of expanded tissues, cell tracking in 4D light microscopy videos, and annotation of fish behavior. The combination of projects and emphasis may change over time, requiring agile adaptation to the specific requirements. Annotations will typically serve as ground truth for automated image processing pipelines established in the context of AI@HHMI projects. Technicians will often be involved in at least two different projects.

This is a 2-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs. Temp-to-hire applicants will be trained in all required techniques upon starting work. After training, technicians will work under supervision by the team’s manager and/or scientific project lead, collaborating with other team members, labs/project teams, and support groups. Applicants with significant prior experience in relevant work may be considered for immediate HHMI employment.

Responsibilities

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of using commercial and custom annotation software
• Collect relevant data from multidimensional images and videos
• Review/correct automatically or manually generated annotations
• Provide feedback about image quality and/or software performance
• Provide feedback on annotation challenges and report biological observations
• Perform computer automated analysis and quality control on large data sets
• Perform preparative work for experiments or other routine lab chores as required

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experience in biology, biomedical engineering, or computer science
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers
• Work experience in a team-oriented environment and skills to be a good team-player
• Interest in engaging in ground-breaking research in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate efficiently with collaborators

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, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet)
• Possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials
• Good color vision and ability to visualize in 3D
• Ability to sit for several hours at a computer or microscope (with breaks)
• Fine motor skills

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.

Pay

Hiring Pay Range:

• Research Technician I (hourly): $18.40 - $23.03
• Research Technician II (salary): $45,760.00 - $57,200.00

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

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.