Janelians tackle biology’s toughest problems in an innovative, collaborative environment unlike any other
The Janelia Research Campusexternal link, opens in a new tab brings together tool-builders, biologists, and AI experts to push the boundaries of what’s possible in biological research. The campus focuses on developing new technologies and experimental approaches — from advanced imaging and molecular engineering to methods that don’t yet exist — to reveal biology’s hidden dimensions.
This work is supported by a unique research model that provides stable internal funding, shared scientific resources, and freedom from grant writing and teaching. Scientists at all career stages collaborate closely with engineers, technical specialists, and operational teams whose work is essential to making discovery possible.
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Independent Scientists
Janelia Group Leaders are independent scientists who have original, transformative ideas for experimental approaches and pursue highly ambitious, long-term research questions in collaborative settings. Janelia recruits scientists at multiple career stages, from early-career researchers launching independent programs to experienced leaders shaping the direction of the field.
Research & Technical Roles
Research and technical staff work hands-on with lab heads to design experiments, build tools, and develop new approaches to biological questions. This group includes laboratory-based researchers, engineers, Theory Fellows, and scientific support teams in areas such as imaging, computation, AI, and instrumentation. These roles are central to Janelia’s research model and play a key part in enabling discovery across the campus.
Postdoc & Training Programs
Janelia offers postdoc and training opportunities for early-career scientists at multiple stages. Postdocs work closely with Group Leaders in a highly interdisciplinary research environment, while internshipsexternal link, opens in a new tab provide high school and undergraduate students with hands-on research experience and mentorship. These programs are designed to support scientific growth, exploration, and collaboration early in a research career.
Operational & Campus Roles
Operational teams support Janelia’s research environment. These include roles in scientific programs and training, environmental health and safety, campus life, facilities, information technology and administration that help to foster a collaborative scientific community. By supporting the community, these teams play an essential role in enabling scientific discovery.
Janelia’s campus was designed to foster connection, collaboration, and community. State-of-the-art laboratories and offices are complemented by shared social spaces where colleagues gather to exchange ideas, relax, and build relationships.
Many employees and visiting scientists choose to live on campus. A range of furnished and unfurnished housing options is available, making it easier to focus on work and community without long commutes. Other on-campus amenities include social spaces and dining, a fitness center, child care, a shuttle bus service, and more.
Our employees enjoy competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and supportive work/life programs, all within a culture of meaningful, mission-driven work
As part of HHMI’s broader compensation package, we offer eligible employees a variety of benefits programs.
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development
“I love being a scientist because I get to do many different kinds of things with many different people. I also really value the freedom I have at Janelia. I have time to explore things like fieldwork, which might otherwise feel too risky early in one’s scientific career.”
Emily Dennis
Janelia Group Leader & Hanna Gray Fellow
“The Facilities team keeps everything running smoothly so science moves forward without interruption. I’m proud of my team’s flexibility. We face constant change—new initiatives, evolving projects, reimagined buildings—and we take it in stride.”
Mark Baumgartner
Director of Facilities, Janelia
“As a research specialist, I help Janelia scientists and visiting scientists answer their questions. My job requires practice, patience, and attention to detail, and it always pushes me to think harder and smarter. I enjoy discovering the beauty in biology through the images we produce.”
Nirmala Iyer
Research Specialist, Electron Microscopy
“I’m very grateful for the mentorship and opportunities that I’ve received at Janelia. My team is fantastic and working with them is very uplifting. They like their jobs, they’re good at what they do, and they’re nice people. What more can you ask for?”
Tim Brown
Scientific Operations Director - Biology