HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.
Summary:
HHMI’s Science Education department works to engage, educate, and inspire people everywhere with opportunities for faculty at colleges and universities to participate in national collaborative research projects managed through the Science Education Alliance (SEA) program, comprehensive educational tools and resources developed and managed through the BioInteractive program, and student-centered initiatives managed through the Success in Science program.
The SEA program supports hundreds of science faculty at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the US to implement research in the early undergraduate science curriculum to promote engagement, learning, and persistence for all students interested in the sciences. Organized as an inclusive research and education community (“iREC”), SEA provides instructor training and technical expertise, centralized research infrastructure, and operational and scientific coordination to enable the full participation in research of faculty and students at all types of colleges and universities, including schools without a research tradition.
The Program Officer will be part of the Science Education Alliance (SEA) team, supporting all aspects of the program, from recruitment and training of new faculty to engaging in research and managing research data.
This role is in-person, will operate primarily in the SEA laboratory and offices on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with regular interactions with the rest of the Science Education department, which is located at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
This posting will remain active until Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, after which it will be removed, and applications will no longer be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until then.
What we offer:
Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Work closely with a passionate, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing HHMI’s mission and strategic goals in the realm of science education.
Opportunity to Innovate: Take ownership of your work and help shape how the role evolves. Hone your skills in an environment that encourages creativity and growth.
Impact on Science Education: Contribute to the advancement of science and science education at the leading edge of discovery. Your work supports innovative programs that strengthen how science is taught, learned, and shared.
Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.
What you will do:
As part of the SEA team:
Serve as a source of wet-bench and bioinformatics expertise for faculty who are engaged in SEA research projects,
Conduct hands-on research to support faculty and the program advance their research projects and goals, within curriculum timelines,
Develop, innovate, and manage research resources, from protocols to data repositories.
Manage research infrastructure and operations, from DNA sequencing to the distribution of biologicals,
Organize, coordinate, and lead faculty programming, from workshops and meetings to peer-review (note: support of SEA meetings and workshops often require overnight stays at meeting/workshop sites),
Contribute to the administration of SEA and other Science Education department projects in an office environment using computer-based applications, including word-processing, spreadsheets, desk-top publishing;
Work in a research/teaching laboratory and shared office space located at the University of Maryland Baltimore County;
Effectively work with other parts of HHMI and non-HHMI organizations; and
Reliably handle and maintain confidential information.
What you bring:
PhD or equivalent degree in the life sciences;
Expertise in wet-lab microbiology, DNA sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics;
At least two years of experience in developing and leading collaborative projects with and for STEM faculty to advance research and teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level;
At least two years of experience instructing course-based research;
Commitment to learn innovative instructional practices in STEM;
Excellence in initiating and completing tasks independently and successfully after receiving guidance from the supervisor;
Excellence in managing multiple tasks and priorities with attention to detail;
Excellence in producing results that are reliably accurate and timely; and
Excellence in interacting constructively with a wide range of people, including students, faculty, scientists at all levels of accomplishment, and co-workers.
As part of your application, please submit the following:
A cover letter (3 pages maximum) that summarizes your thoughts on barriers, and your experiences in developing and innovating approaches, to support STEM faculty teach science through authentic research at the undergraduate leve
A curriculum vitae (3 pages maximum) that highlights your relevant professional experiences for the position and provides details of the experiences presented in the cover letter.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
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 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.
Compensation Range
$106,658.24 (minimum) - $133,322.80 (midpoint) - $173,319.64 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMI’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 consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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