Research Assistant (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

We are seeking a Research Assistant who will 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. The Research Assistant will focus on microfluidic-based cell purification and device validation for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) isolation using viscoelastic inertial focusing on a dynamic laboratory environment. This role involves experimental microfluidic device testing and hands-on cell processing workflows, contributing directly to funded translational bioengineering 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 listed above

• Perform RGC purification from dissociated retinal samples using viscoelastic inertial microfluidic platforms, optimizing flow parameters and polymer concentrations to maximize recovery and purify.
• Fabricate, assemble, and test microfluidic devices, including device priming, troubleshooting flow instability, and validating separation performance.
• Conduct cell handling procedures including tissue dissociation, cell staining, viability assessment, flow characterization, and downstream purity analysis (e.g., microscopy, immunostaining, or RT-PCR)
• Analyze device performance metrics (recovery rate, purity, throughput) and document optimization experiments to improve separation efficiency and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare technical summaries and figures to support progress reports, publications, and grant deliverables.

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 cell biology or bioengineering with practical experience in sterile cell handling and mammalian cell processing
• Experience working with microfluidic systems, fluid handling equipment, or benchtop device testing
• Ability to follow rigorous experimental protocols, troubleshoot independently, and maintain reproducible workflows
• Prior experience with microfluidic device fabrication or testing, viscoelastic or inertial focusing systems, or cell sorting methodologies
• Familiarity with immunocytochemistry techniques and tissue culture techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and basic data analysis tools (e.g. ImageJ, MATLAB, or similar platforms)

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/8-5
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering