Research Technologist

The research group under the direction of Dr. Kellogg Schwab in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health is seeking to hire a highly motivated, full-time chemistry-based Research Technologist to collaborate on exciting, cutting-edge water challenges driven by the need to develop sustainable, scalable solutions for a water-stressed world. Research will include studies on drinking water treatment, urban water systems, and innovative water reuse strategies at the interface between water chemistry and microbiology. Examples of prior and ongoing project work include investigation of novel treatment processes for “forever chemicals” (PFAS); assessing water quality in Baltimore’s urban infrastructure; bench-scale testing of advanced biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes for wastewater; and development of portable water quality test kits for use in rural communities and developing nations.

The research technologist will work in a highly collaborative environment that includes other research specialists, graduate students, and postdocs working together in the laboratory. Responsibilities will include field sampling, bench-scale experiments, and generation of water quality data in support of ongoing laboratory projects. As an analytical technician, this individual will help operate and maintain analytical instrumentation as well develop new analyses and techniques to advance the laboratory's technological capabilities. Analytical duties will include routine water and sample characterization (pH, total suspended solids, organic carbon, biochemical oxygen demand, free chlorine, spectroscopic methods, etc.) as well as more advanced chromatographic approaches (ion chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, etc.) on complex environmental matrices. Hands-on experience in a wet laboratory setting (e.g., chemistry, microbiology, environmental laboratory) is preferred, but extensive prior knowledge of specific analytical techniques is not required. A scientific background and strong desire to learn and master new skills is critical. The position offers candidates an exciting opportunity to contribute to applied research projects related that directly impact human health with potential for motivated candidates to pilot additional individual research. The applicant will carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision, and present and exchange laboratory data in an appropriate manner requiring good oral and written communication skills.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• The applicant will conduct basic and advanced water and wastewater chemical analysis of known contaminants following established procedures and protocols.
• The applicant will assist the development of analytical methods and sample preparation for the detection of novel and emerging contaminants in aqueous matrices.
• The applicant will assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with conducting water and wastewater-related experiments and testing.
• The applicant will update and create standard operating protocols used by members of the research group.
• The applicant will generate, and present data as requested by the principal investigator.
• The applicant will maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notes and maintain best practices for digital data acquisition and file archival.
• The applicant will assist in maintaining supply and reagent inventory within the lab as well as ordering new supplies through university-approved vendors.
• The duties of this position are hands-on in the laboratory and will require full-time in-person work except under exceptional circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred
• Six months of post-undergraduate experience in a comparable laboratory, or a significant independent research project or internship, not related to normal course requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Mastery of basic laboratory techniques: volumetric pipetting, reagent preparation, dilution, filtration, centrifugation, proper cleaning, and waste disposal.
  
• Experience operating and maintaining basic laboratory equipment: analytical balance, dishwasher, autoclave, muffle furnace, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, centrifuge.
• Experience with chromatographic instrumentation (e.g., gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, ion chromatography) and/or mass spectrometry techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS) is highly desirable.
• Ability to independently read and implement protocols from standard operating procedures, technical notes, instrument manuals, and scientific literature.
• A willingness to learn and understand underlying physical/chemical concepts behind analytical techniques and the ability to use knowledge to troubleshoot and/or interpret unexpected results.
• Data analysis and management – Extensive experience inputting and manipulating data sets in Microsoft Excel using built-in tools and functions. Experience with scientific/statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, SigmaPlot) a plus, but not required.
• Time management and communication skills: ability to manage deliverables for multiple diverse projects, work well in a team environment, and effectively communicate findings with members of the research group.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.00-$20.40 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: ​​​​​​​School of Public Health
Department name: ​​​​​​​Environmental Health and Engineering
Personnel area: School of Public Health

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.

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

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
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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 jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. 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. 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 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.

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

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 at jhurecruitment@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://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Important legal information
http://hrnt.jhu.edu/legal.cfm