Half of our lab heads have advanced degrees in biological disciplines; the rest have been trained as physicists, computer scientists, engineers, and chemists. One of the key strengths of Janelia is that our scientists and their laboratories work together without departmental walls to create and employ innovative tools—biological, computational, optical, engineering-based—to improve the imaging of biological samples and to understand the structure and function of neuronal circuits.  Janelia provides an unusually supportive environment for collaboration and technical innovation, as well as access to a wide range of expertise.
 
In addition to scientific positions in labs, Janelia offers both research and operations positions in shared scientific research facilities and in operations departments. Janelia is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity, providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, genetic information, status as a disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Benefits of employment include medical insurance, flexible spending account, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, an employee assistance program, and a retirement plan.