Career Center

The purpose of our laboratory research in the Department of Genetic Medicine is to elucidate molecular disease mechanisms and test therapies for a group of rare diseases that disrupt epigenetics and chromatin. We are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist who will do the following. Independently work in a translational epigenetics/chromatin research lab using mouse models and human stem cell-based culture models. Identify, develop, and optimize assays and protocols. Design independently implements experimental approaches for research projects. Perform a wide range of sophisticated assays, including preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing approaches (i.e., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, and/or similar methods). Requires significant and important contributions to various aspects of research efforts, including troubleshooting, independent decision-making, and training/guidance of other lab personnel including students, post-doctoral fellows, and/or staff. Contribute to writing of manuscripts and creating figures for publication and grants.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Scientific Responsibilities (90%)

• Basic laboratory methods/techniques associated with genetics and molecular biology such as: isolation of DNA and RNA, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, DNA electrophoresis, DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, quantitative and qualitative analyses of DNA, RNA, and protein molecules, as well as other functional and enzymatic assays.
• Independently performs various higher-level assays, including Chip-qPCR and library preparation for the next-generation sequencing techniques of RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and/or whole genome-bisulfite sequencing.
• Performs basic and advanced cell culture techniques, including maintaining and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models.
• Prepares data for and performs sophisticated statistical analyses.
• Uses light/fluorescence/confocal microscope and computer programs to analyze data.
• Prepares buffers and solutions/reagents using knowledge of chemistry formulation.
• Contributes to the maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies; conducts routine safety tests.
• Maintains careful records of all samples obtained and experiments performed.
• Routinely and independently assesses the quality of generated data.
• Presents summaries and quality metrics of data generated at regular intervals in laboratory meetings.

Animal Model Responsibilities

• Independently maintains mouse colonies.
• Independently performs intra-peritoneal injections and other minor procedures on mice.
• Independently performs dissection of mice for anatomical and histological studies.
• Harvests and prepares tissues, particularly bone and brain, for molecular and phenotypic analyses and independently performs these analyses. Includes transcardial perfusions.

General

• Uses scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions. Works independently.
• Makes scientific contribution to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Collaboratively and independently develops new techniques.
• Applies published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
• Scientifically contributes to writing of manuscripts and grants.
• Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications and presentations.

Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

• Responsible for budget management. Manages budgetary duties by ensuring charges, invoices, and orders are correctly routed to the proper grant.
• Responsible for daily ordering of all laboratory consumables, reagents, supplies, and equipment; maintains financial records.
• Responsible for equipment inventories and maintenance.
• Ensures all laboratory protocols and biosafety approvals are up-to-date.
• Responsible for overall organization, upkeep, and operational elements of laboratory, functioning as a representative for the PI.
• Acts as a project manager for the lab. Coordinates with all other supporting staff units including administration and IT.
• Exercises independent, managerial judgment and responsibility for decisions and results.
• Helps to hire, supervise, and train incoming laboratory staff and students.  Currently 1 Graduate student, 1 clinical/post-doctoral fellow (subject to change).
• Advises personnel on proper laboratory techniques and use of laboratory equipment.
• Advises personnel on the proper maintenance of laboratory notebooks and electronic files.
• Ensures the laboratory and staff comply with annual safety inspections and safety office recommendations.

• 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.

• MS, or equivalent, in Biology, Chemistry or Physics or PhD.

• Experience with library preparation for next-generation sequencing, including for RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, or equivalent epigenetic techniques.
• Experience with induced pluripotent stem cells/differentiation to neuronal lineage cells and mouse work.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist  
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: $46,560-$64,100-$81,650 HRLY (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: ​​​​​​​School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Genetics Institute of Gen Medicine  
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

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:

JHU Equivalency Formula: 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.

**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.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

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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