Research Specialist

General Summary/Purpose:

Primary focus in the Osborne laboratory is to study the intersection between the immune system and metabolism with emphasis on the liver and isolated macrophages. The individual in this role must have knowledge in the following areas: macrophage biology, cell biology, molecular biology, transcriptional/post-transcriptional gene regulation, liver physiology and histology and experience in in vivo mouse studies. The candidate will also work closely with the PI to oversee the day-to day operation, design experiments and assist with data and writing for peer-reviewed publications.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs routine lab duties such as preparing buffers and stocking lab supplies.
• Perform genotyping on tissue samples.
• Perform data analysis with third party software.
• Carry out in vitro cell culture.
• Assist other lab members in preparing or carrying out similar experiments.
• Drives individual research projects and contributes to other projects in the lab.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes research methods and participates in the development of new techniques.
• Collects and processes data.  Interprets results.
• May contribute to writing manuscripts and grants methodology sections and or/ processes analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Maintain and organize the mouse colony including animal protocols.
• Responsible for ordering of supplies in SAP.
• Responsible for coordinating with PI on future capital equipment purchases including procuring quotes from vendors.

Minimum Qualifications (mandatory):

• Requires bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field. 
• Minimum of 1-year of prior related experience in biomedical research laboratory.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula***.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mouse genetic models of obesity and metabolic disease is preferred and computational biology experience is a plus.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge in molecular biology and cellular assays in addition to experience with in vivo dietary studies in laboratory mice.

Any Specific Physical Requirements for the Job:

• Employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for up to 40% of the time.
• Employee is required to operate small laboratory tools that require manual dexterity.
• Prolonged vision requirements include viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory). 
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes).
• In some areas work space is limited.

Laboratory Environment:

• Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. 
• Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. 
• Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area. 
• Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment. 
• Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, and radiation protocols. 
• Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.

***JHU Equivalency Formula:  18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Classified Title: Research Specialist  
Working Title: Research Specialist  ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA 
Starting Salary Range: $33,545-$46,095 (commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday/8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt  
Location: 01-FL:Florida 
Department name: 60002426-All Childrens 
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.

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.

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