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Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Surgical Technician

Ashburn, VA

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.

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About the role:

The Surgical Technician II position independently performs intermediate to advanced technical procedures and works with research staff as part of the Vivarium's Surgical Services program. This includes pre-, intra-, and post-operative animal care for survival or acute studies and prepares animals for various surgical procedures. This position will also provide support for a variety of laboratory animal species, including, but not limited to mice and rats, with a focus on ensuring the highest degree of animal care and welfare while supporting research in a dynamic team-oriented environment.

About Department:

The Surgery Team focuses on supporting the science by providing a shared surgical service for HHMI researchers. This position will support a variety of research animal species and provide technical support for basic science research, potentially impacting research objectives valued in excess of $10,000.

What we provide:

  • A flexible schedule.
  • A team that cultivates an environment where all members of the team help each other.
  • A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities.

What you'll do:

  • Perform multi-species surgical or technical support and intermediate to advanced surgical procedures with or without oversight of Surgical SME, Researcher, or Veterinarian.
  • Operate and maintain specialized equipment related to Surgery or Vivarium-led Projects. Examples include: Stereotax and related instruments, sterilizers, anesthetic equipment, etc.
  • May conduct literature reviews to assist in determining the most suitable surgical models and techniques for research projects.
  • May attend, prepare, and present information on lab and Vivarium-led projects to labs or researchers, internal teams, and/or external conferences.
  • Actively contribute to process and best practice refinements and standardization of surgical practices and procedures within the program.
  • May supplement training staff or researchers on routine and specialized tasks, use of specialized surgical equipment or standard surgical procedures.
  • Effectively communicate with researchers regarding surgical requests, procedures, surgical outcomes, and all other support duties.
  • Assist with ordering, receiving, stocking, and maintenance of all supply inventories.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in life science or any other related field required.
  • LAT certified with AALAS required. LATG certification required within one year of employment.
  • SRA, SRT or SRS certifications preferred.
  • LVT, CVT, or RVT preferred.
  • Five years of experience working with vertebrate animal species, with at least three years of experience performing micro-surgical procedures under a microscope in a research environment.
  • Experience in a basic or applied science research setting required. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.
  • Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements:

The following is the minimum physical requirements.

  • Regularly required to sit, stand, move from one area to another, and reach with arms and hands.
  • Occasionally lifts, moves, and/or carries objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasionally stoops and bends.
  • Regularly required to type at a computer.
  • Work is performed in a research animal facility where personnel are exposed to laboratory animal caging, sounds, and smells of various species including, but not limited to mice, rats, and aquatic species. Personnel may be exposed to wet, above average temperatures, and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, biohazard materials and risk of electrical shock.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally high.

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
$58,808.26 (minimum) - $73,510.32 (midpoint) - $95,563.42 (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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Client-provided location(s): Ashburn, VA, USA
Job ID: HHMI-R-1646
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
  • Parental Benefits

    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Vacation
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • 401(K)
  • Professional Development

    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program

Company Videos

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