Study Support Technician I – Rodent Breeding & Husbandry (Temp-to-Hire)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

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Janelia Research Campus Until 8/22/2026 6+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted January 10, 2026 Last posted January 10, 2026
Job description
Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

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

About the role:

In this role, you will provide standard services related to animal husbandry and technical procedures to support scientific research at Janelia. This will include a variety of laboratory animal species, including, but not limited to mice, rats, and zebrafish. Under general supervision the position will be focused on ensuring the highest degree of animal care and welfare while supporting and working with Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment.

Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs.

About the Vivarium:

The Vivarium at Janelia is an AAALAC accredited facility that supports ground-breaking research in a variety of animal models (currently with a focus on mice, rats, and zebrafish) and is one of the highest regarded in the world. Vivarium operations are designed to enhance scientific progress and impact, while providing best-in-class welfare for, and responsible use of, laboratory animals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closely with our scientists by taking responsibility and ownership of processes that involve animals, but are not data driven, to allow researchers to focus on data intensive tasks.

What we provide:

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

  • A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.

  • Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources.

What you’ll do:

  • Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple species (e.g. providing feed, water, clean cages, and daily observations of each animal).

  • Receive, examine and properly house incoming animal shipments.

  • Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.

  • Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.

  • Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including but not limited to, animal housing and study support.

  • Assist with receiving, stocking and maintenance of all supply inventories.

  • Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.

  • Provide other minor technical support for species housed (e.g. restraining animals, collecting blood, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science or any other related field preferred.

  • Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.

  • Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.

  • Ability to learn tasks quickly.

  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.

  • Ability to complete multiple requests and assignments as directed.

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment to accomplish mutual goals

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication, written and verbal, skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, and management.

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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Hiring Pay Range

$20.00 - $22.47

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.

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. 

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

Support animal care, handling, and basic procedures for research animals.

Job title

Study Support Technician I – Rodent Breeding & Husbandry (Temp-to-Hire)

Experience level

6 months

Minimum experience

6+ years exp

Industry

research

Location requirements

Janelia Research Campus, no remote work allowed

Salary

$20k–$22k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

animal husbandryrecordkeepingcleaningsafety procedures

Preferred skills

basic science researchMicrosoft OfficeGoogle Docs

Specializations

animal husbandryvertebrate animalslaboratory animals
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

On-site