Job Description

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Specialist to join Dr. Xin Jin ’s lab at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. The Jin lab is investigating how sex-differential physiology and genetics impact brain function to understand how these distinct influences converge in the developing brain. To tackle these questions, they combine in vivo CRISPR screening with single-cell multi-omics, spatial genomics, and chemical biology tools. Their work is deeply collaborative—both within the lab and across disciplines—and bridges cutting-edge neurotechnology with fundamental questions in brain development. This integration of tool-building and mechanistic insight positions them to uncover how diverse inputs shape the brain’s trajectory in health and disease. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting

About the Research Specialist role:
As the Research Specialist, you will work with scientific project leads and trainees in carrying out day-to-day research across a range of genomics projects. You will oversee and direct the development of novel genomic assays involving single cell and spatial genomic experiments and state-of-the-art imaging analysis. You will also utilize your project management skills to prioritize and manage consortium collaborations, coordinate within and across labs in the consortium, and ensure scientific progression.

Working with Dr. Jin and the senior scientific team, you’ll support projects through monitoring milestone achievements and completion of required reporting. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding scientific credentials (including publications in high-impact journals relevant to genomics, imaging, and cell biology), be passionate about the lab’s work, and be looking for a stable, long-term career experience.

This position is expected to begin after October 1, 2025 in concurrence with Dr. Jin’s upcoming appointment as a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar .

What we provide:

• A energetic, dynamic, and fun lab team that values innovation, inclusion, scientific rigor, and collaboration.

• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.

• Joining the vibrant Scripps research community.

• Opportunities to be mentored by Dr. Jin and to mentor more junior scientists in turn.

• Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.  

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand training and skill-building content.

What you’ll do:

• Work closely with scientific leads and trainees in the Jin lab, mentoring and directing scientific projects, with a focus on neurogenomics and functional genomic technologies.

• Oversee daily lab operations and engage in cutting-edge molecular neuroscience research.

• Carry out and/or coordinate research projects. Set up and evaluate new laboratory techniques.

• Work both independently and collaboratively with team members to support the science of the lab. 

• Train others in technical areas and complex processes.

• With the scientific teams, ensure projects are progressing as planned and remain on track for completion. Lead the establishment of scientific workplans and completion of regular reports as required by funding organizations.

• Schedule and plan agendas for routine and ad-hoc project meetings.

• Maintain notes and actions from project meetings, following up with scientific leads and/or collaborating research institutions to ensure actions are well prioritized and completed in a timely manner.

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline within the life sciences is required. A focus on genomics or neuroscience is preferred. 

• A minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience or four years’ experience in project management and/or leadership is required. Previous experience working in a neuroscience lab is preferred.

• Experience managing scientists and engineers to develop technical solutions to scientific problems is required.

• Experience with genomic library preparation (including RNA-seq library prep), single cell genomic technology, epigenetic assays, and tissue handling.

• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse set of colleagues, including scientists, engineers, administrators, and engagement managers with a variety of backgrounds.

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills.

• Strong leadership skills and an enthusiastic willingness to mentor others.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills coupled with effective interpersonal and collaboration skills.

• Ability to contribute to fostering and maintaining a positive, thriving lab culture.

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). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

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. #LI-NG1

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Traineeship,

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