Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Primary Work Address: Department of Biochemistry, Waltham, MA, 02454

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

We have an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced Research Specialist to join the Nobel Prize winning lab of Dr. Michael Rosbash at Brandeis University. Michael Rosbash is interested in the RNA processing, genes, and mechanisms that underlie circadian rhythms – the 24-hour pacemaker that is nearly ubiquitous among higher organisms. Using Drosophila as a model system, Rosbash and his team study the mechanisms and importance of neuronal circuitry and plasticity to circadian rhythms, as well as the contributions of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. They also study how circadian clocks function within the brain to influence sleep and the enigmatic process of temperature compensation. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.hhmi.org/news/rosbash-awarded-2017-nobel-prize-physiology-or-medicine

About the Research Specialist role:

You will work both independently and collaboratively, are encouraged to demonstrate initiative, and exercise good judgment to prioritize and accomplish multiple responsibilities. You are an adaptable, congenial person who is excited to work collaboratively with a diverse group, serve as the liaison between the lab, HHMI and Brandeis University, and manage the responsibilities of this role with a high level of attention to detail, proactiveness, warmth, and poise. This is a critical role where you will serve as a trusted leader of day-to-day lab operations. You will manage your own research project with the input of the Investigator yet share significant responsibility for the results of the research project of the entire project team. You will drive intermediate to long term impact on the results of the entire lab and establish range goals and schedule work to meet those goals. This will be a fixed term position ending on July 31, 2026, with an opportunity to transfer over to other funding mechanisms after that date.

What we provide:

• Ample opportunities and support for upskilling. Coworkers that assist in learning new techniques/skills.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• An environment to advance your career and build your network through collaborations.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What you’ll do:

• Carries out experiments at the bench with molecular biology experience required and Drosophila genetics experience preferred.
• Assist with mentoring new lab team members.
• Writing and communication skills, able to help develop and submit a variety of scientific materials for peer reviewed journals, internal and external print and website communications.
• Writing, editing and proofreading manuscripts, articles, book chapters, abstracts, posters, oral and visual presentations for style and content.
• Help prepare figures and illustrations for publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with Communications and Development to promote internal and external communications for the Rosbash lab.
• Perform various specialized scientific investigative procedures in support of assigned research projects.
• Conduct literature reviews to be used in determining most suitable research methods.
• Identify methodological problems in research protocol and assist in implementing modifications to optimize experimental results.
• Coordinate specialized and novel research functions.
• Train others in complex technical protocols.
• Prepare and present written oral progress reports concerning studies, including assembly, organizational and interpretation of data.
• Use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of standard data.
• May configure, operate, and/or maintain specialized equipment.
• May develop, or lead the development of, training tools.
• May plan for and provide working supervision to a group of laboratory employees of lower grade engaged in the performance of technical and professional work and a variety of complex to routine to complex tasks.
• In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position.

What you bring:

• Master of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology; or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Two years of related research experience as a Research Technician III or equivalent (Four years of related work experience).
• Ability to make sound decisions based on knowledge and experience.
• Ability to prepare research reports for presentation to a large audience. Ability to draft research manuscripts.
• In-depth knowledge of multiple scientific areas and of the underlying principles and concepts.
• Able to critically review information. Readily understand new concepts.
• Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals. Reviews work activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward.
• Oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organization, analytical, and interpersonal skills required.
• Experience in using computer-based tools (Microsoft Office, Adobe applications, webpage design tools etc).

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.

#LI-LL1

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