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.
HHMI’s recruiting team supports a broad hiring portfolio spanning scientific, operational, and administrative roles across our Chevy Chase headquarters, Janelia Research Campus, and Host Site network. This three-month contract role provides operational support to our recruiters — handling the scheduling, coordination, and process administration that keeps searches moving smoothly so recruiters can stay focused on the hiring work itself.
Engagement Scope
Contract duration: 3 months
This is a temporary position with a defined end date. Extension is possible but not guaranteed and will be determined based on business need.
Work location: Hybrid, Ashburn, VA
Three days per week on-site at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA; two days remote.
Key Responsibilities
Recruiting Process Support
Support recruiters and hiring managers across the full recruiting lifecycle: candidate screening coordination, interview scheduling, on-site logistics, reference collection, and background check processing.
Manage candidate travel arrangements and expense reimbursement.
Maintain timely posting and removal of job advertisements across internal and external platforms.
Update and maintain recruiting process resources including interview guides, feedback templates, and reference check materials.
Support passive candidate sourcing efforts as directed, including outreach coordination and relationship tracking.
Candidate Experience
Serve as a consistent point of contact for candidates; provide timely, accurate communications on next steps and logistics.
Ensure every candidate interaction reflects HHMI’s professionalism and mission.
Events & Administrative Support
Assist with the setup, coordination, and execution of virtual and in-person career fairs and recruiting events.
Support other administrative and operational tasks as assigned by the recruiting team.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of one year of operational experience supporting a recruitment team, or direct experience in a fast-paced recruiting environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to engage professionally with candidates, hiring managers, and internal stakeholders.
Proficiency with HRIS and recruiting technology (ATS, Workday, Zoom, MS Office, SharePoint preferred).
Ability to take initiative, work with minimal supervision, and maintain confidentiality throughout.
Preferred
Experience in a mission-driven, scientific, academic, or nonprofit organization.
Familiarity with full-cycle recruiting processes and candidate experience best practices.
Prior exposure to research or laboratory hiring environments.
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.
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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 Key Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compensation Range
$26.00 (minimum) - $35.00 (maximum)
Pay Type:
Hourly
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 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.
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.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
Founded in 1953, HHMI invests in scientists at all career stages who make discoveries that advance human health and our fundamental understanding of biology. The institution also supports innovative approaches to science education and public engagement to energize the next generation of scientists, and to foster public appreciation for science. HHMI advances pathbreaking science at more than 60 host institutions across the US and at our Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, where — since its founding in 2006 — Janelia researchers have made discoveries and developed cutting-edge tools that have reimagined what's possible in science.
