Research Specialist

General Summary/Purpose

The department of Pathology is seeking a proficient Research and/or Clinical Laboratory Specialist with a firm understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from some professional experience. Under minimal supervision, performs research experiments on mouse and human research projects in a Bio Safety Level 2 setting. Using established procedures and protocols, performs experiments which may include: mouse handling techniques including in vivo injections, skin grafting, peripheral blood collection, and tissue harvesting; animal husbandry including phenotyping/genotyping transgenic mouse strains; multi-parameter flow cytometry; cell culture; DNA and RNA extractions; and data analysis. Flow cytometry and tissue culture of human peripheral blood cells may also be performed. The individual will participate in the planning of experiments and interpreting of results. Responsible for routine operational activities such as maintaining up to date records of experiments, reviewing inventory of laboratory supplies, and ordering laboratory equipment and supplies. Identifies and resolves problems and uses analytical and decision-making skills to implement assigned projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of both routine and complex clinical and/or research laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures. Prepares and determines suitability of solutions, reagents and stains, following defined formulas and procedures.
• Reports and records outcomes/results of all tests.
• Exchanges routine information in an appropriate manner requiring good oral and written communication. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, faculty members, and other clinical fellows.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, routine repairs or notifying service personnel when more complex problems occur. Performs related duties
• May be responsible for routine operational activities such as; ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, etc.
• Performs preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Coordinates research activities with some supervisory responsibilities as designated by the Principal Investigator.
• Performs miscellaneous related duties such general lab housekeeping and maintaining safety records.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or related field.
• 1 year related clinical and/or research laboratory experience performing relevant or related techniques.
• Experience with mouse handling and/or husbandry
• Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry
• Knowledge of good lab practices.

Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

* 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 the required education on the same basis. Up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job. *

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or related field.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to work independently, under minimal supervision.
• Must have strong decision making skills, and be able to exercise good judgement.
• Work requires precision and attention to detail.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret verbal and written direction.
• Able to organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications:

• Computer experience including MS Office, Database, and email. Laboratory equipment or tools including but not limited to: BSC, RT-PCR machines, centrifuges, incubators, flow cytometers, automated cell counter, ultra low-temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen tanks.

Work Environment /While performing the duties of this job:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 20% 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.
• Working with animals (mice), including handling techniques, injections, euthanasia, bleeding, and minor procedures in the laboratory as well as facilities of the Research Animal Resources in multiple locations on campus.
• 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, and radiation protocols. 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 Rangos laboratory or to other East Baltimore campus buildings). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). 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 and Procedure, Health, Safety and Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws/practices.

Many department laboratories operates 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs).

Classified Title:Research Specialist
Working Title: Research Specialist ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range:$33,545 - $46,095; Commensurate with experience
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30a-5:00p, up to 40 hrs/ week
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: 04-MD:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: 10003067-SOM Pat Transfusion Medicine
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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