Research Specialist

Our laboratory is focused on cancer genetics and genomics, and translates this information into clinical applications. A major part of this effort involves DNA and RNA sequencing and methods associated with it. The Oncology Department seeks aResearch Specialist and this position requires experience in basic laboratory techniques in molecular biology, familiarity with sequencing technologies and methods for isolation of nuclei acids from tissue and cells. A minimum of two years’ experience is necessary.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work requires the use of methods, procedures and techniques associated with DNA sequencing. The individual will be trained in all aspects related to a variety of sequencing platforms, including molecular biology methods, running massively parallel sequencing instruments and basic data analysis, under the supervision of faculty.
• Uses basic understanding of theory behind experiments and applies basic analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.
• Establishes procedures for the smooth operation of processes which include: scheduling of runs, monitoring of inventory of materials, maintenance of the instrumentation, timely transfer of data, and interfacing with vendors.
• Follows established procedures or protocols to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include: basic tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, basic molecular biology.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• BS/BA, or equivalent, in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Survey knowledge of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, microbiology or genetics. Masters in Biotechnology a plus but not required.
• Comparable laboratory experience may be substituted for the educational requirements.
• Requires a minimum of one year of experience to function at this level.
• Advanced education may substitute for experience as 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 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.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• A senior, experienced technician is required to perform nucleic acid purification, amplification, sequencing of PCR products, and the methods associated with it. This includes molecular biology methods like enzymatic reactions, PCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis etc.
• This person will be also responsible for the quality control of the libraries generated for sequencing and the interpretation of the data.
• The individual will be responsible for oversight and training of more junior technicians.
• Applicants must be familiar with the operation of laboratory equipment such as PCR machines, real-time PCR machines, centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, light microscope, imaging systems and laminar flow hoods.
• Candidate must be organized.
• Analytical skills: The candidate should be familiar with theory behind experiments and apply analytical skills to interpret experiments, including positive and negative controls.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $16.13 - $22.16/hr (commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: TBD- 28 hours per week
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus (hybrid schedule)
Department name: SOM Onc Cancer Biology
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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.

EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf