Career Center

The Pathology Department is seeking a proficient Senior Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from experience. Under minimal or no supervision, performs research laboratory experiments by developing new or following established procedures and protocols. Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects.

The Senior Research Specialist will present at departmental/divisional meetings, and provides training to other individuals who may be assigned to the laboratory on a regular or temporary basis. Assist the principle investigator in the development and coordination of specific research projects, experimentation, data collection and analysis, and organization of the laboratory.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Primary Research:
  • Performs experiments related to primary neuronal cultures, neuronal differentiation of human stem cells, genetic manipulation of the above, phenotypic characterization of the above with the indicated molecular and biochemical methodologies.
  • Performs western blot, PCR, cloning experiments, and related biochemical and molecular essays.
  • Participates in preparation of tissues and immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization probing of gene expression in tissues.
  • Working with the PI, develops new methods or imports new methods from other entities inside and outside Hopkins, including academia and corporations, as deemed appropriate for research programs in the Koliatsos Lab.
  • Assists the PI in grant preparation as needed.

•  Laboratory Management & Research Coordination
  • Assists the principal investigator to assign responsibilities and coordinate different projects and manages the laboratory operations. They are the person to go to in the absence of the PI.
  • Maintains database and organizes specimens and reagent resources.
  • Is responsible for routine operational activities such as: ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of experiments/projects, etc. 
  • Monitors inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements: 

• Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operating including: cell culture systems, microtomes/vibratomes, centrifuges, electrophoresis devices, HPLC, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, freezers, etc.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory): 

• Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science or related field.
• 4 years experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
• Experience in cell/stem cell culture techniques and molecular methods.
• Master's Degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.*

* JHU Equivalency Formula: 18 graduate degree credits (semester hours) 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. 

** Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Neuroscience lab experience.
• Stem/pluripotent cell differentiation into neurons.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expert in cell culture and molecular methods. 
• Advanced knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Great organizational skills.
• Excellent record keeping and documentation skills.
• Able to work independently, under minimal supervision with strong decision making skills and good judgment.

Physical Requirements: 

•  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 70% of the time.  
• Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. 
• The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment. 
• Prolonged vision requirements including 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 or on campus (specify)).  May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). 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, radiation protocols, and other bio-hazardous materials. 
• Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.

Additional Information:

• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
• Rotating on-call, weekend, or pager duties are required. 
• Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. 
• Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment.  (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs). 
• In the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather or declared emergency, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• 2 Junior Research Assistants.
• 1-2 Undergraduate Students.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: Commensurate with experience  
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: SOM Pat Neuropathology 
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

Accommodation Information

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 Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

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.

Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.