The Department of Pediatrics is seeking a full time Research Specialist II to work in a laboratory in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine that focuses on perinatal brain injury and provide lab support for ongoing funded clinical and preclinical studies. Consistent with a translational research program, our goal is to increase understanding of neural-immune communication to identify new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. Under the supervision of a faculty investigator, the research specialist works independently to carry out research experiments, involving a range of sophisticated assays using modern molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cell biology techniques. This position involves providing laboratory, analytical and administrative assistance for several large studies involving collaborations. It also involves executing independent decision making and troubleshooting during experiments, and participation in the design of new methodologies.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently under limited supervision and be facile in clinical and preclinical realms, and be able to work on multiple research projects simultaneously and utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results and participate in planning new experimental approaches towards research goals. They will use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgement and decisions, and contribute to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity. The candidate will also conduct experiments, collect/summarize data, analyze data, provide proper laboratory, and study subject care, maintain project data, and interface with a diverse collaborative of physicians and scientists.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Responsible for completion of assigned on-going research projects.
Apply original thought to make decisions with PI.
Offer intellectual contributions to scientific research.
Develop, design and manage substantial research projects and coordinate own objectives.
Demonstrate scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience.
Demonstrate knowledge of theory behind experiments and applies analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.
Maintain quality control of various protocols performed to ensure highest standards of experimentation and rigor.
Follow and provide input to increase productivity of established procedures or protocols; utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, qPCR assays, ELISA assays, molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques, including microscopy and biochemistry.
Perform microscopy, flow cytometry and cell culture.
Utilize in vivo models in experiments and handle rats and mice.
Apply proper biosafety protocols to handle biohazardous and clinical trial samples, setting example for other lab staff on a continuous basis.
Demonstrate specialized knowledge to interpret and evaluate results and present results at lab meetings.
Monitor data quality and accuracy as required by research protocol.
Maintain appropriate documentation of research results, as required by research protocol. Recommend revisions to experimental methods based upon observations of the data and relative expertise.
Participate in experimental design; plan, implement, evaluate, and interpret results.
Conduct library research; participate in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication.
Perform surgeries and care for laboratory animals; perform behavioral testing following experimental protocols.
Collect tissue in accordance with USDA, AALAC and IACUC guidelines.
Perform biomarker assays and collect samples in accordance with Biosafety and IRB guidelines.
Maintain daily lab notes, data and inventory spreadsheets.
Assure laboratory compliance with regulatory requirements and JHU standards, policies/procedures/regulations.
Use computers and computer-interfaced equipment to perform required duties.
Teach/train students and new technicians in the lab.
Guide, direct and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on a daily basis.
Mentor students and fellows; teach laboratory techniques and share scientific knowledge.
Review, edit and maintain updated animal protocols and clinical trial protocols.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Must be knowledgeable and have demonstrated skill in tissue culture, flow cytometry, protein chemistry and confocal microscopy and perform animal work independently.
Able to design controlled experiments independently.
Perform established laboratory assays with the initial supervision of senior personnel until capable of performing those assays independently.
Self-motivated and actively seeking to further develop skills.
Expertise and knowledge in neuroscience and medicine.
Must be detail oriented, keep clear experimental records, have effective organizational skills, be a clear spoken and written communicator and be able to prioritize workload appropriately.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, when needed, as experiments may dictate.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
Two years 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.
Classified Title: Research Specialist II Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB Starting Salary Range: $40,100-$55,140-$70,180 Annually (Commensurate with experience) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M – F; 8:30am – 5:00pm; some evenings/weekends may be necessary; candidate will need to be flexible to adjust schedule for animal care; some work weeks may require Tuesday – Saturday schedule Exempt Status: Exempt Location: School of Medicine Campus Department name: SOM Ped NICU 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:
*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.
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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.
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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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