Research Specialist

The Ophthalmology Department is seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual with some prior experience in biomedical research to work in a newly established stem cell lab to work as a Research Specialist. The successful applicant will work closely with the principal investigator on their ongoing projects related to human stem cell-derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and oligodendrocyte cells (OLs). Current projects include CRISPR genome editing of human stem cells, and high content and high-throughput drug screening approaches to identify small molecules relevant to RGC regeneration and OL development, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies for patients with blinding retinal diseases and demyelinating neuropathies.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• This research position requires sophisticated experience with laboratory techniques in human stem cell biology and cellular and molecular biology.
• The successful candidate will be expected to follow and design protocols for human stem cell differentiation into RGCs, oligodendrocyte cells and astrocytes.
• This role is also expected to assist in various drug screening projects.
• Work will involve, among other techniques, immunohistochemistry, imaging with confocal microscope, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, subcloning of plasmids, tissue cultures, and cell transfection.
• Working with the principal investigator, the successful applicant will independently design and carry out experiments and interpret results.
• The Research Specialist will also contribute to the planning and writing of any relevant publications and assist in the grant writing process.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• At least two years of experience in cell culture work, ideally with stem cells, is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experiences with cellular and molecular biology, CRISPR gene editing and/or drug discovery is desirable.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Maintain clear written records and be able to independently design and carry out experiments and interpret results.
• Ability to read and interpret scientific articles.
• Expected to write and present scientific results.
• Thoughtfulness on how to interpret, troubleshoot and improve experiments.

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: Mon-Fri. Some weekend hours required
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Oph Ocular Molecular 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 at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

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 or because the individual is pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. 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 which campus you will work. 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.

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

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