Working at Janelia

This philosophy is derived, in part, from HHMI’s approach to research. The HHMI Investigator program provides scientists at institutions across the country with the freedom and flexibility to follow their best ideas, letting their intuition and creativity guide their research. This approach also provides the framework for our work here at Janelia Farm.

Our employees learn best from each other, and our entire culture is built around that theme of collaboration. We have a short lunch hour to encourage people to share meals and ideas, and we provide several informal settings where people can share ideas over coffee.

Our lab groups are small by design. Lab members are encouraged to creatively solve problems by reaching out and seeking expertise from across our multi-disciplinary teams. We offer seminars on new topics to stimulate fresh thinking about science—and everyone on campus is invited to attend. This approach builds strong relationships and creates an environment where innovative ideas are constantly flowing, unlocking our broader potential.

This philosophy holds true whether you’re a scientist, maintenance technician, or food service worker. We want our employees to be fully committed and truly engaged in whatever job they are doing. At Janelia, our people are continuously thinking of ways to shift processes, perspectives, and opinions as they embrace and drive change. Janelia’s unique culture is reflected in everything we do and every interaction we have as a member of this community.

More than 100 studios, apartments and townhomes are available for short-term or transitional housing.

Housing Village

The Housing Village is located a short distance from Janelia’s front door. It includes fully furnished apartments and townhomes. Examples include:

• Studio apartments for single visitors and short-term occupancy
• 2-bedroom townhomes that can accommodate single occupants, roommates, or small families
• 3-bedroom homes designed for small families
• 4-bedroom homes for multiple roommates

The Housing Village has laundry facilities, cable television, wired and wireless Internet, sports courts, two outdoor grills, a fire pit, and a children's playground. Visiting scientists have first priority for on-campus housing in the village. The majority of studio units and many of the 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes are reserved for them. However, available units in the Housing Village are often used to house relocating staff, for up to one year.

Apartment Building

The Apartment Building is a 4-story structure located near the entrance to Janelia that features sixty 1-bedroom and 1-bedroom-plus-den units. These units are designed for long-term employee housing. They are optionally furnished and each apartment features a washer/dryer, large walk-in closet with built-in closet system, private balcony, and fiber-optic cable/Internet service. The social space includes a large terrace with fire pit and built-in grill.