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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:
We are seeking Postdoctoral Scientists with hybrid expertise
spanning fluorescent dye development, spectroscopy, che mical
biology, and super-resolution microscopy to join the Lincoln Lab .
In this role you will help design and characterize the next
generation of fluorophores to tackle multimodal, whol e-organism,
and/or super-resolution imaging challenges . Candidates with an
excellent record of research achievement and experience in air
and/or light sensitive chemical synthesis methods, photochemistry,
spectroscopy, or in vitro/in vivo fluorescence imaging are
particularly encouraged to apply. Exposure and training in
additional techniques, including single molecule imaging,
immunofluorescence, super - resolution techniques, as well as cryo
-electron tomography and related disciplines, may be required over
the course of these projects.
About the Lab:
With a research background grounded in photophysics, organic
chemistry, chemical biology, and high-resolution optics, our lab
uses experimental photochemistry, computational modelling, and
physical chemistry to engineer fluorophores and molecular tools to
tackle the challenges at the forefront of fluorescence microscopy.
As a part of the Tools@HHMI initiative at Janelia, we strive to
challenge the boundaries of fluorophore/probe development for
dynamic biological imaging that will revolutionize the imaging
projects during the next chapter of Janelia’s research program. We
collaborate closely with other groups in Tools@HHMI and the larger
Janelia community, including chemists, protein engineers,
neuroscientists, and microscopists to achieve mutual goals . For
more information about the Lincoln lab, please visit:
Lincoln Lab | Janelia Research Campus
In addition, the HHMI Janelia Research Campus provides a highly
collaborative, resource-rich environment for our work.
What We Provide:
- A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health
and welfare benefits.
- Access to Janelia’s facilities and engineering support for
custom-hardware, scientific computing, and fluorescence
microscopy.
- A highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research campus with
close ties to labs working across chemistry, protein design,
microscopy development, and neuroscience.
- Support to attend and present at scientific conferences.
- Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site
childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and
dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from
the Washington D.C. metro area.
What You'll Do:
- Develop and optimize multistep synthetic routes for new small
molecule fluorophor es and bioactive ligands for multimodal
microscopy applications.
- Apply drug-discovery models, molecular docking simulations, and
quantum mechanical calculations to guide molecular design and
optimize target engagement, bioavailability, and imaging
performance.
- Develop high throughput spectroscopic assays, and single
molecule methods to evaluate key properties, including spectral
profiles, photostability, and bioavailability.
- Evaluate dye performance in live and fixed-cell imaging,
including widefield, confocal and super-resolution methods.
- Establish structure–property relationships between molecular
design and performance.
- Collaborate with other members of Tools@HHMI and the broader
Janelia community to apply best-performing labels to whole-organism
imaging challenge s.
- Pursue creative research ideas that leverage your previous
experience and align with your current and future scientific
interests.
What You Bring:
- Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or related fields in the physical
or life sciences .
- A hybrid background in photochemistry and/or chemical biology
with a strong grounding in organic chemistry
- Hands-on experience performing organic synthesis of
fluorophores and light-sensitive substances
- E xperience working with computational chemistry software
packages including Gaussian and Orca
- Additional skills in fluorescence and absorption spectroscop y,
assay development, molecular docking, or fluorescence microscopy is
an asset
- Passion and perseverance to carry out high impact discovery
science
- Willingness to work collaboratively in a small lab
atmosphere
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the
ability to prepare technical reports and contribute to
publications
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.
Compensation:
A Postdoc 00 (0 to 1 year research experience after obtaining a
PhD) is compensated at a rate of $74,200.00 annually at HHMI's
Janelia Research Campus.
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.
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.
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