Science Education Alliance, Research Assistant

We are accepting internal applications for the role until Thursday, March 6. If you are interested in the opportunity, please apply by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 5.

Summary:

The HHMI Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture manages a diverse set of science and science education programs, including the Science Education Alliance (SEA) program. The SEA offers 2- and 4-year colleges and universities the opportunity to participate in national collaborative research projects that are structured to enable large numbers of their beginning undergraduates to conduct authentic research. The HHMI SEA team develops and manages these research projects exploring the genetic diversity of the bacteriophage population as well as trains and supports faculty members to implement these research projects with their students. For more information about the SEA and its research projects, visit https://www.hhmi.org/programs/science-education-alliance .

The Research Assistant will support the research and training activities of the SEA program. The initial appointment will be for 2 years. The person in this role should be planning to pursue a career in biomedical research. They should view this Research Assistant position as an opportunity to develop additional research skills and experience in preparation for more advanced research training such as graduate school.

The Research Assistant will report to and be directed on a day-to-day basis by SEA Program Officers. The Research Assistant will work primarily at the SEA Lab located on the campus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County but will also perform some of their duties at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

What we provide:

• In addition to a competitive salary and benefits, HHMI will reimburse up to $1,000 for graduate school application fees!

• A role that is well-positioned to have an impact across the national education landscape because of its access to resources, freedom to solve problems creatively, and time to craft quality resources.

• A mission driven team that is passionate about the work they do.

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment where all members of the group help each other.

What you'll do:

• Support the research and training activities of the SEA.

• Support the day-to-day operations of the SEA research laboratory, including preparing reagents and media, maintaining laboratory equipment in good working order, ensuring appropriate materials and supplies are available to the laboratory, cleaning and autoclaving laboratory glassware, propagation and long-term storage of bacteria and phage cultures, conducting basic techniques in microbiology and molecular biology.

• Conduct independent research projects related to the SEA research aims under the supervision of PhD-level scientists.

• Maintain complete and accurate records following accepted practices.

• Assist others in the laboratory including interns and students.

• Contribute to non-SEA-related tasks when requested to do so.

Application Instructions:

During the application process, please submit a cover letter describing your previous research experience and why you are interested in the position.

What you bring:

• A completed a bachelor's in biology or a related field by June 2025.

• Experience in basic microbiology techniques, and ideally have conducted independent research with bacteriophages and/or bacteria.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

• Capacity to respond positively and constructively to direction.

• Willingness to take on new tasks.

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. Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, toxic chemicals, and caustic materials potential carcinogens. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.