Research Technologist (Molecular Microbiology & Immunology)

The Mugnier lab within the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health seeks a full-time Research Technologist. Our lab studies Trypanosoma brucei, the protozoan parasite that causes human and animal African trypanosomiasis, devastating diseases posing a huge economic and public health burden on sub-Saharan Africa. We use bioinformatics approaches to study the ways this parasite evades the immune system of its mammalian host during infection. Specifically, we seek to understand the mechanisms by which T. brucei diversifies its variant surface glycoprotein gene repertoire during chronic infections. You can read more about our work at www.mugnierlab.org.

The Research Technologist performs laboratory tasks and completes routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols independently or with instructions.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques and methods of the lab.
• Gain problem-solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.
• Run lab tests and complete measurements.
• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine assays.
• Increase skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures.
• Set-up experiments based on defined standards.
• Collect project data.
• Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitor inventory of supplies, clean equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above, primary duties and responsibilities of the job will include

• Management of mouse infections with T. brucei.
• Various molecular biology techniques including cloning and RNA-seq library preparations.
• Maintenance and ordering of laboratory reagents and stocks.
• The Research Technologist will be expected to work independently, potentially on his or her own project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or 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

• Some experience with standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, etc.).
• Experience working with mice.
• Programming or bioinformatics experience.
• Some related post-undergraduate work experience.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Data Collection and Measurement - Awareness
• Experimental Preparation - Awareness
• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance - Awareness
• Laboratory Techniques and Assays - Awareness
• Laboratory Troubleshooting and Technical Problem Solving - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications - Awareness