Career Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Posted: 01-Feb-23
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 107625-en_US
The Pathology Department is seeking a proficient Sr. Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from experience. Expert in the use, troubleshooting, and repair of flow cytometer, column chromatography, HPLC and FPLC. Designs experiments and studies, analyzes data, and contributes to manuscript. Works independently and manages daily research projects. Will present at departmental/divisional meetings, and provides training to other individuals who may be assigned to the laboratory on a regular or temporary basis. The senior research specialist will assist the principle investigator in the development and coordination of specific research projects, experimentation, data collection and analysis, and organization of the laboratory. Under minimal supervision, performs clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by developing new or following established procedures and protocols. Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects. The research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of projects, experimentation, data collection/maintenance, and organization of the laboratory. Runs lab tests and completes measurements as assigned. Identifies and resolves problems and uses analytical and decision-making skills to implement assigned projects.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare, analyze and QC lab engineered proteins using tissue culture, affinity chromatography, HPLC, FPLC and flow cytometry.
- Production and evaluation of lab engineered proteins conjugated to nanoparticles or other delivery biomaterials in both in vivo and in vitro systems.
- Isolation of PBMC from donor blood to support the systematic studies of biological and clinical investigations.
- Perform the quality control evaluation and data analyses using existing computational tools as well as developing new computational tools.
- Create and implement laboratory standard operating procedures of all aspects of sample handling and analysis.
- Record outcomes/results of all experiments by writing.
- Maintain database and organize freezer cell archives and reagent resources.
- Exchange routine information in an appropriate manner. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, faculty members, and other clinical fellows.
- Train students, staff members, and postdoctoral fellows with established SOPs for sample preparation and instrument operation. Oversight of day to day activity of Post Docs and students in the lab.
- Assist the principal investigator to coordinate the responsibilities for different projects and manage the laboratory operation.
- Create and maintain cell cultures and small animal stocks and design and maintain tissue culture or animal experiments, and perform molecular and biochemical analysis of cells and animal models.
- Interfaces with outside contacts, including presenting at meetings, leading multi-institution work groups, representing Johns Hopkins among research colleagues.
- Responsible for routine operational activities such as: ordering supplies and materials, discovering optimal vendors for supplies, maintaining internal ordering catalog, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, etc. Preventative maintenance of equipment and laboratory operation procedures.
- Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
- Supervising lab maintenance over vacations or long absences.
Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements
- Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operation lab such as: HPLC, FPLC, cell culture systems, flow cytometers, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, microscopes, etc.
Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Have strong communication skills. Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
- Flow cytometry, protein chemistry and animal care and use are important as is a solid background in basic biostatistics.
Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications
- Advanced knowledge of good laboratory practices.
- Able to work independently, under minimal supervision with strong decision-making skills and good judgment.
Physical Requirements
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 70% of the time. Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate 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. Hand strength necessary for lab maintenance duties like tightening tank connections tightly.
- 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).
- Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment. Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, radiation protocols, and other bio-hazardous materials. Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
- May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (supply store, animal housing)). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or ethanol vats). In some areas work space is limited.
- Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
- Periodically it may be necessary to come in evenings or weekends if experiment or equipment requires it.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
- Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
- Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- One course in Cell Biology, Immunology or Bio-Engineering and Administrative experience.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC
Starting Salary Range: $46,560-$64,100-$81,650 Annually (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Pat Immunology
Personnel area: School of Medicine
Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/
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:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 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.
**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.
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
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.
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