Site Supply Technician

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

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Janelia Research Campus Until 10/7/2026 1+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted August 8, 2026 Last posted August 8, 2026
Job description
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: 

The Site Supply Technician will provide laboratory and administrative support and services to the entire campus, working in any of the Site Supply and Service departments: Shipping/Receiving, Mailroom, and Glasswash. The Technician will effectively communicate and coordinate tasks within the team, leadership, and internal and external customers. They will perform data entry of department statistics and provide support to colleagues and leadership, including the provision of coverage. They will ensure compliance with HHMI’s related policies and procedures while also maintaining constructive and collaborative relationships with all vendors, JRC, and HHMI staff. 

This is a hands-on role that rewards consistency and strong attention to detail. An ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable performing repetitive tasks and closely following established SOPs and procedures.

What we provide: 

  • A diverse team looking forward to exploring how your unique background, talents, and interests could contribute to the Site Supply Department's successes. 

  • A collaborative working culture that drives our science forward. 

  • A rewarding environment offering numerous opportunities for employee growth. 

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

  • Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, a free gym, on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service. 

What you’ll do: 

Business Unit Functions – Execute a high level of customer service in each of the Site Supply and Service functions, including but not limited to: 

Shipping/Receiving: 

  • Physical receipt, organization, and distribution of inbound packages and freight 

  • Collection, packaging, and processing of outbound packages and freight 

  • Compliance with regulations and requirements for handling controlled substances 

  • Identification and segregation of inbound chemicals 

  • Package detail data capture (tracking number, recipient, PO number, etc.) 

Mailroom: 

  • Collection and distribution of United States Postal Service (USPS) and interoffice packages and mail (inbound/outbound) 

  • Working knowledge of USPS regulations for handling and delivery of mail 

  • Posting outbound mail, utilizing postage meter and online software 

Glasswash: 

  • Collection and delivery of glassware 

  • Manual wash and machine loading/unloading of glassware 

  • Sterilization of glassware and laboratory materials using Autoclaves.

  • Materials inspection for defect identification and retirement/replacement 

Team Performance and Development: 

  • Collaborative member of the Site Supply and Service team, performing all duties as assigned. 

  • Assists team members with department coverage plans. 

  • Ability to successfully complete Hazmat Air Shipper (IATA/49) and Hazmat Ground Shipper (DOT) Certifications 

  • Conveys positivity and exhibits professionalism when dealing with customers, colleagues, and management. 

Administrative: 

  • Attend and contribute to regularly scheduled group meetings. 

  • Effectively cooperates and communicates with contractors and staff and is able to manage requests (via phone, email, or verbal communication) from administrative and scientific staff. 

What you bring

  • High school diploma or GED required. 

  • 1-2 years related experience preferred. 

  • Familiarity with laboratory supplies and experience in the field of Life Sciences or a laboratory setting preferred. 

  • Ability to work in, collaborate with, and understand diverse research environment culture and to actively engage with the scientific community and have a customer-centric approach. 

  • Effective organizational and time-management skills, a strong sense of urgency, and the ability to perform consistently under pressure. 

  • Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills. 

  • Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy. 

  • Clear and concise verbal and written communication. 

  • General working knowledge of hazardous materials and the ability to identify and segregate controlled substances. 

  • Computer skills, including Microsoft Office. 

  • Ability to work occasional weekends and/or holidays and be flexible with work hours as needed. 

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).

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. 

Hiring Pay Range

$18.26 - $22.83

Pay Type:

Hourly



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.


HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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

About this role

Summary

Provide lab and administrative support in shipping, mail, and glasswash operations.

Job title

Site Supply Technician

Experience level

1-2 years preferred

Minimum experience

1+ years exp

Industry

research

Location requirements

Janelia Research Campus, Virginia, no remote work

Salary

$0k–$0k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

high school diplomalaboratory suppliesMicrosoft Officehazardous materialscommunication

Preferred skills

hazmat certificationcustomer serviceorganizationcritical thinking

Specializations

shipping and receivingmailroomglasswashhazmat handling
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

On-site