Research Specialist
We are seeking a
Research Specialist who works in a laboratory with an emphasis on Dermatology using both mouse and human tissues. This role develops assays and protocols for PI approval and design experimental approaches for research projects. Performs a wide range of sophisticated assays. Make significant/important contributions to various aspects of research efforts. Work includes troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other lab personnel. Please see the EXPERIENCE section, below, for the specific research focus for this position, a description of the experimental procedures and prior laboratory experience required.
In general, the candidate will be responsible for helping to manage day-to-day lab operations and will manage and participate in research projects by other laboratory members, including, post-doctoral fellows, laboratory technicians and undergraduate, graduate and medical students working in the laboratory.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
- Makes scientific contribution to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity. Collaborates in development of new techniques and instruments.
- Responsible for assigned daily research projects. Utilizes specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. reading controls, evaluate results.
- Acts as the Core supervisor for data generated for the lab as assigned. Develops, organizes, and provides resources related to research including tissues, mouse models, and material for primary cell culture, available on a national and international scale. Trains laboratory staff, graduate students, and outside investigators in skills related to experiments and related analyses.
- Uses software applications to assemble, manipulate, analyze and present data.
- Orders equipment and supplies, interfaces with vendors.
- Uses scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions. Works independently.
- Teaches/trains students, and new technicians in the lab. Guides, directs and facilitates problem solving for entry-level lab members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.
- Applies published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
- Scientifically contributes to writing of manuscripts and grants. Processes analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
- Helps to perform various experimental procedures that include a working knowledge of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology techniques.
- The experimental procedures include: in vivo models of Staphylococcus aureus infections that utilize in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, human organotypic cell cultures, various other human and mouse cell cultures, isolation of mouse and human cells from peripheral blood, isolation of mouse and human cells from the skin, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays (ELISA, myeloperoxidase assays), molecular biology techniques such as isolation of RNA, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, RNAseq, scRNAseq, gel electrophoresis, microbiology techniques needed to grow and harvest Staphylococcus aureus, affinity column purification, FACS/Flow cytometry, cell sorting, intracellular staining, and protein analysis and quantification (e.g. western blots).
- Transfects cells with various constructs to enable cells to overexpress or inhibit expression of various factors involved in the immune response.
- Develops various different antimicrobial and immune-based therapeutic strategies to help prevent or treat Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Uses sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
- Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
- Complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources.
- Completes annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate, as well as other required online and in-person trainings and compliance requirements.
- Monitors equipment performance and maintenance schedules.
- May perform routine repair or replacement of standard parts.
Scope of Responsibility:
- Knows the informal policies, procedures and practices necessary to conduct the normal function of a specific section, unit, or work area.
- Is aware of the role of the position and its potential impact on the working unit, and within the Department.
- Functions as a member of a team, working to promote an atmosphere of respect, collegiality, integrity and discovery.
- While this individual does not directly supervise other staff, they are sought for advice and guidance from a variety of junior laboratory staff, students, and fellows in projects and analysis.
Decision Making
- On a regular and continuous basis, follows experimental protocols, complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards.
- Engages in regular and continuous decision making having an impact on people, costs, and/or quality of service.
Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):
- B.S. Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
- 1 year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques. Master's Degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.*
*
JHU Equivalency Formula: 18 graduate degree credits (semester hours) may substitute for one year of experience. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
** Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.S. Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Must have a working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies, and laboratory experience gained through class work: biology, biochemistry, physics, microbiology and/or genetics.
- Knowledge of good lab practices required.
- This position requires a candidate that can perform independent research involved in a major research project involving the study of the protective immune responses, the pathogenesis of infection and the virulence factors associated with the human bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
- This involves study of various different in vivo and in vitro infection models of Staphylococcus aureus infections, including skin infections, wound infections, systemic infections and infection of implanted medical/surgical devices and prostheses.
- The candidate will be responsible for performing various experimental procedures that include a working knowledge of microbiology, immunology and molecular biology techniques.
- The experimental procedures include: in vivo models of Staphylococcus aureus infections that utilize in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, human organotypic cell cultures, various other human and mouse cell cultures, isolation of mouse and human cells from peripheral blood, isolation of mouse and human cells from the skin, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays (ELISA, myeloperoxidase assays), molecular biology techniques such as isolation of RNA, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, RNAseq, scRNAseq, gel electrophoresis, microbiology techniques needed to grow and harvest Staphylococcus aureus, affinity column purification, FACS/Flow cytometry, cell sorting, intracellular staining, and protein analysis and quantification (e.g. western blots).
- In addition, this position will involve transfecting cells with various constructs to enable cells to overexpress or inhibit expression of various factors involved in the immune response.
- This position will also involve the development of various different antimicrobial and immune-based therapeutic strategies to help prevent or treat Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications:
- Operates lab computers for data entry.
- Performs and develops scripts for data analysis.
- Proficiency in MS Office, R, and database software is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
- Standing in a stationary position 80% of the time. May need to traverse through the laboratory to or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus.
- Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s).
- Operates computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides.
- Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
- Lifts, carries, moves supplies, computers, glassware, etc.
- Ability to move about workspace.
- Communication skills using the spoken word.
- Ability to see within normal parameters and ability to hear within normal range.
- Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
- Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M - F, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Der Research Division
Personnel area: School of Medicine
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.
To apply, visit https://jobs.jhu.edu/job/Baltimore-Research-Specialist-MD-21287/921631400/
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Johns Hopkins University
September 13, 2022