"Research Assistant (Department of Mechanical Engineering)"

Research Assistant (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

Johns Hopkins University

Posted: 18-Dec-25

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 119878-en_US 1

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Whiting School of Engineering of The Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Assistant to oversee data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team. This position will focus on advanced molecular diagnostics for pathogen detection in a dynamic lab environment and will involve both computational (in silico) design and practical bench work, contributing directly to funded research projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Run routine and ad hoc reports.
• Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
• Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
• Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
• May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
• May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
• May design and format papers/publications.
• May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

• Perform in silico design and bioinformatics analysis for developing and optimizing PCR primers and probes for various pathogens.
• Execute wet-lab molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR assays, using clinical isolate samples.
• Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to evaluate pathogen resistance profiles.
• Document, analyze, and report experimental results clearly and concisely to the Principal Investigator.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong foundation in molecular biology and microbiology, with practical experience in nucleic acid-based detection methods (e.g., PCR/qPCR)
• Experience with computational tools for primer/probe design or bioinformatics analysis
• Ability to adhere to strict laboratory protocols and work independently on assigned tasks.
• Prior experience (e.g., volunteer/internship) in a research lab setting, especially with clinical or environmental samples
• Knowledge of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) principles and basic laboratory safety

Additional Details

Classified Title: Research Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD
Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: M-F/20hrs
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering