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We are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist whose main responsibility will be to perform sequencing experiments to support epigenetics studies in the Center for Epigenetics using state of the art sequencing platforms. This position will be responsible for executing technical protocols both manually and using automated liquid handling systems as needed. The Sr. Research Specialist must be able to design and execute experiments with independence using knowledge of molecular biology techniques to proactively troubleshoot experiments, resolve technical issues and challenges, and to perform data interpretation. Maintain instruments, contribute to maintaining lab supplies stock and monitor lab freezers. Implement and monitor quality control procedures and consistency across experiments. The position will work with investigators and collaborators to design scientific experiment. 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities 

Research & Development

• Utilize scientific knowledge and experience to conceptualize, design, and advise on research projects with the Division of Molecular Medicine as well as collaborators from other Departments.
• Perform and troubleshoot genomic assays independently.
• Responsible for co-authorship of manuscripts, and readings of most grants and manuscripts.
• Design and oversee multiple extensive databases that integrate clinical, biological and molecular data from the laboratory and from collaborators.
• Meet with investigators to help plan experiments from standpoint of correct scientific design.
• Keep up to date with new developments in the sequencing and single cell genomics space and import and implement new assays as appropriate.

Laboratory Operations

• Construction of various types of libraries for Illumina sequencing. Including libraries for Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS), RNA-seq, single cell methylation seq, single cell RNA-seq and single cell ATAC-seq
• Library preparation for PromethION Oxford Nanopore sequencer.
• Operate PromethION sequencer, monitor and review runs.
• Perform High molecular weight DNA extractions, regular DNA/RNA extraction and sample quality control.
• Perform library quantification via qPCR and Qubit.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as Chromium Controller, Covaris S2 and LE220 Focused-ultrasonicate systems. Agilent Bravo automated high-throughput liquid-handling system, Beckman Coulter Biomek NXP automated liquid handling system, Pyromark Q48 Autoprep pyrosequencer, Agilent Bioanalyzer, Agilent 2200 TapeStation, Bio-Rad CFX 384 Real-Time PCR system, NanoDrop 2000, Nano Drop 8000, Qubit and fluorescence microplate readers.
• Maintain accurate documentation, data records and laboratory notebook.
• Follows established molecular biology procedures and protocols accurately and follow best practices guidelines for experiments.
• Receiving and unpacking of reagent and supply orders for the laboratory.
• Monitor freezers and temperature monitoring system in the East Baltimore and Homewood laboratory facilities. Be available after hours and on weekends to respond to freezer emergencies if needed and ensure the protection of invaluable samples and assets. Contribute to updates and implementation of freezer emergency plans and procedures.
• Manage samples, update freezer sample inventory and track samples throughout the freezers.
• Interface with co-investigator and collaborators in providing laboratory data.
• Maintain chemical reagent inventory.
• Contribute to the general maintenance and cleaning of the laboratory, equipment and supplies.
• Contribute to keeping the laboratory space compliant with safety regulations and help prepare for annual health and safety inspections.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Four years experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
• Master's Degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Strong attention to details is critical.
• Demonstrates ability for self-direction and initiation, as well as ability to work independently and as part of a team, to address problems/tasks.
• Ability to quickly master new laboratory techniques and procedures and tolerance for repetitive tasks.
• Must be organized and able to appropriately prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: $46,560 - $64,100 Commensurate with experience
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F 8:30-5pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM DOM Molecular Medicine
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:

​​​​​​​
30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. 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.

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.

About Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University remains committed to its founding principle, that education for all students should be grounded in exploration and discovery. Hopkins students are challenged not just to learn but also to advance learning itself. Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship are all encouraged and nourished in this unique educational environment. After more than 130 years, Johns Hopkins remains a world leader in both teaching and research. Faculty members and their research colleagues at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory have each year since 1979 won Johns Hopkins more federal research and development funding than any other university. The university has nine academic divisions and campuses throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Education and the Carey Business School are based at the Homewood campus in northern Baltimore. The schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing share a campus in east Baltimore with The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Peabody Institute, a leading professional school of music, is located on Mount Vernon Place in downtown Bal...timore. The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies is located in Washington's Dupont Circle area.

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