Research Specialist (Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)

Job Details

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

We are seeking a Research Specialist who will perform a range of assays and experiments specific to an area of research, requiring a good understanding of the work of the laboratory. Makes contributions to various aspects of research efforts. Performs routine troubleshooting and helps with training and orientation of others working in the laboratory.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments after discussion with investigators. Work may include making protocol modifications within the parameters set by investigator.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, and evaluate results.
• Use scientific knowledge and lab experience to evaluate whether component parts of experiments are working as expected.
• Train/orient learners and new staff in the laboratory.
• Assist in development of new techniques and instruments.
• Become familiar with published research methods related to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with more senior laboratory staff and/or faculty investigators.
• Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• May order equipment and supplies, and interface with vendors.
• May facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members with research assays.
• May participate in protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• May contribute to writing manuscripts and grants by writing methodology sections.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

• Transgenic mosquito rearing and handling, assisting with the development of transgenic mosquitoes using embryo microinjections techniques and genetic crossing and selection.
• Performing mosquito infection assays with malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium berghei) and arboviruses (dengue and Zika virus), involving feeding on pathogen infected blood, and scoring infection phenotypes using mosquito dissections and microscopy, plaque assays and qPCR.
• Collection and processing of data and generation of graphs.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitoring inventory of supplies, cleaning equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• 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

• Master’s Degree in related discipline.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Data Management and Analysis - Awareness
• Experimental Design and Execution - Awareness
• Literature Review - Awareness
• Operations Management - Awareness
• Protocol Development and Optimization - Awareness
• Scientific Writing - Awareness

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $17.11 - $29.90 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Public Health
Department name: W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy
Personnel area: School of Public Health