Description

We are seeking a proficient Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of specific, advanced techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from professional experience. Works independently and manages daily research projects.

The research specialist participates in planning experiments and evaluating/interpreting test results utilizing detailed knowledge of research laboratory procedures and practices. Capable of independent judgment in the selection, development, performance and evaluation of research methods; operates and maintains appropriate equipment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs cell culture and processes biofluids and tissues from human donors and animal models. Performs fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-based size separation to obtain proteins and protein complexes, confirming identity of selected isolated proteins. Isolates RNA, performs quality control, and prepares RNA sequencing libraries using methods including advanced, ligation-free preparations. Separation and characterization of extracellular vesicles. Assists with analysis and graphical representation of RNA-seq data. Troubleshoots and optimizes techniques based on scientific knowledge and research experience. Liaises with bioinformatics collaborators.
• Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizes aseptic and RNase-free technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which include conventional and real-time PCR, electrophoretic separations (agarose and acrylamide gels), Western blot, ELISA, cloning and/or subcloning, extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, resistive pulse sensing, flow cytometry, and other molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Learn and train in additional procedures in order to expand skills, foster individual growth, and directly contribute to and facilitate laboratory success.
• Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, electronic mail, World Wide Web, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
• Participates in the organization and operation of the laboratory, including oversight of undergraduate student researchers. Performs general lab maintenance duties and maintains excellent written records and electronic databases.
• Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens. Completes annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate. Monitors biohazard/radiation safety standards and proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Candidates should be motivated, highly organized, have good communication and time management skills, and work effectively in a team setting.
• A willingness to learn new skills is appreciated.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Master's Degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $17.11 - $29.90 HRLY ($62,200 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Comp Med Retrovirus Bio Laboratory
Personnel area: School of Medicine

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. 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/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
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 Completing Studies
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.

Background Checks
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.

Diversity and Inclusion
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

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

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
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.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 [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. 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. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. 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 upon 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.

School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus