Research Specialist

General Summary/Purpose

The Suez lab for microbiome research is looking to hire a full-time research specialist, starting January-April 2021. The successful candidate will help set up and contribute to multiple projects in the lab related to microbial ecology and host-microbiome interactions in metabolic, infectious, and autoimmune diseases.

The individual will participate in laboratory research, and will be responsible for performing animal experiments, in-vitro microbiological assays, and next-generation sequencing. As part of a new lab, the individual will participate in setting up, optimizing and validating laboratory protocols as well as prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

We are looking for collegial individuals who will contribute to forming a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Individuals from underrepresented groups in biomedicine are encouraged to apply.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Mouse work: design and perform experiments in SPF and gnotobiotic mice, using multiple metabolic, immune, and infectious models.
• Perform microbiome analysis using next-generation sequencing, including purification of DNA/RNA from biological samples, PCR and qPCR amplification, sequencing libraries preparation and quality validation. Training will be provided for individuals interested in utilizing bioinformatic tools for microbiome analysis.
• Microbiology: design and perform experiments in aerobic and anerobic conditions, including with BL2 pathogens.
• Perform, document and analyze experiments in a rigorous and ethical manner to be included in publications / grants.
• Train junior members (new fellows/students/visiting scholars) in the lab and performs quality assurance reviews for the scientific data, as well as participate in the discussion of ideas for new research projects.
• Set up, optimize and validate lab protocols.
• Organize laboratory working areas and supplies.
• Ordering of lab supplies through the Johns Hopkins SAP system.
• Routine maintenance of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology or related field.

One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.

Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula:

* JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 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. *

Preferred Qualifications

Prior research experience with rodents, and/or DNA sequencing preferred but not mandatory. We are looking for candidates who work well with others and are enthusiastic to learn.

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Working Title: Research Specialist  ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA 
Starting Salary Range: $16.12 - $27.44; Commensurate with Experience
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hours per day, Up to 40 hrs/ week 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt  
Location: 05-MD:School of Public Health 
Department name: 10001154-W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy 
Personnel area: School of Public Health

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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