Sr. Research Specialist II

General Summary/Purpose:

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a high caliber technical Sr. Research Specialist II to manage the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) Flow Cytometry Core. This position requires advanced technical expertise and the ability to support collaborative research projects on the state-of-the art mass cytometer, high-complexity high-parameter flow cytometry and multi-dimensional sorting studies as relates to research areas in translational medical research.

The successful candidate must possess extensive and exceptional technical and scientific skills in advanced mass/flow cytometry and related technologies. The individual must have previously demonstrated the ability to successfully manage the various operational aspects of a multi-instrument high volume flow cytometry facility. Instruments currently include a Fluidigm CyTOF, BD LSRII, LSR-Fortessa, and Beckman-Coulter CytoFLEX analysis units.

This individual will work closely with multiple principal investigators, pathologists and clinically related research scientists to ensure accurate, relevant and reproducible data is being generated. This candidate must demonstrate knowledge and concepts of QC/QA and assay validation as well as familiarity with high dimensional analytical software.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Provide advanced technical skills in the application of mass/flow cytometry/cell sorting technologies to research problems and in the development of new technologies to advance translational research. Design and develop specialized mass/flow cytometry methods and techniques that can be utilized by SKCCC principal investigators. Execute highly complex levels of mass cytometry panel anlysis, cell sorting and other analytical experiments for downstream applications. Work closely with principal investigators and their laboratory scientists – students, postdocs, technicians and research associates - in technical aspects of the development of research proposals. Provide operations procedures, QC, maintenance and troubleshooting of cell sorter in a BSL2/3 environment. Applies extensive knowledge of concepts, principles, practices and methods specifically used in mass/flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting. Demonstrates expertise in multi- parameter analysis of cells, identification and/or sorting of cell populations using flow cytometry and immune monitoring/profiling using mass cytometry technology. Maintain an advanced level of scientific skill and/or knowledge and keeps up with current developments and trends in the area of mass/flow cytometry. Ensures proper maintenance of all instrumentation and service logs. Ensurescompliance with safety standards to maintain a safe environment.

Supervision of Others:

• Yes, when staff are hired.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements:

• General computer skills and expertise in hardware maintenance of sophisticated mass cytometry, flow cytometry and cell sorter instruments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Biology, Chemistry or related field required.
Requires minimum of 6 years in comparable laboroatory, and preferably greater than 10 years of experience in the daily operation sophisticated mass/flow cytometry instruments, preferably BD instruments. Must have knowledge and experience of operation/QC/maintenance of high-dimensional FACS and sorter instrumentation. Must possess experimental knowledge of sample acquisition, processing and staining as related to mass/flow cytometry. Required experience in applicationsin multiple scientific arenas including phenotyping, cytokine expression,phosphor-flow, apoptosis and other relevant applications. Must have knowledge and understanding of flow applications beyond 20 colors. Experience in working in a CLIA certified medical laboratory is highly desirable. Experience in handling and processing human samples under BSL2/BSL3 environment. Additional education may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula***.

Special Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities / Competencies:

• Good verbal and written skills
• Strong background and experience with CellQuest and DiVa software is required.

***JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits 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.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist II
Working Title: Sr. Research Specialist II ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/ME
Starting Salary Range:$60,945-$83,865 (commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday/9:30am-5:30pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: 04-MD:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: 10002954-SOM Onc Oncology Center Support Services
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

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 HR Business Services Office atjhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

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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