The Molecular Psychiatry Program is seeking a Research Technologist to support our research to understand the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms underlying etiopathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. In particular, we investigate how genetic risk factors and environmental factors, such as adolescent cannabis use and psychosocial stress, affect stress-related biological signaling mechanisms, including immune and inflammatory processes, leading to impairment of brain development and brain function that regulates cognitive and mood-related behaviors. Our research will also aim to identify new therapeutic targets and biological markers for early intervention of these devastating conditions.
After entry-level training under the general supervision of a faculty investigator the Research Technologist, is responsible for supporting postdoctoral researchers to conduct experiments, independently performing routine tests in a pre-clinical research laboratory, and contributing to the general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies. This position also provides opportunities to learn cutting-edge skills and concepts in molecular neurobiology, neuropsychopharmacology, and neurobehavioral science.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Design and perform experiments under supervision.
Responsible for mouse colony management, genotyping, and PCR.
Utilize in vivo models in experiments. Following experimental protocols and in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines, monitor animals and maintain health records. Sacrifice and dissect animal remains as required. Support the researchers to conduct behavioral experiments and analyze the data. Prepare tissue for study utilizing histochemical techniques.
Follow established procedures or protocols and utilize aseptic techniques to perform laboratory experiments which may include basic tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, assays, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques.
Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain accurate data records.
Assist with seminar preparations and other laboratory responsibilities.
In accordance with established policies and procedures, monitor inventory levels, order materials, and supplies, and count orders upon receipt.
Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating, and alignment.
Complete annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate.
Use sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
Use universal safety precautions to protect yourself and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Some related post-undergraduate work experience is preferred.
Experience in molecular biology and rodent husbandry/handling, brain histology, rodent behavioral analysis, bioinformatic analysis, and programming/engineering skills are preferred.
Must have a working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies and laboratory experience gained through coursework: neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physics, virology, microbiology, and/or genetics.
Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities or summer employment is very desirable.
Classified Title: Research Technologist Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC Starting Salary Range: $15.00-$20.40-$25.50 HRLY (Commensurate with experience) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M-F 830am - 5pm Exempt Status: Non-Exempt Location: School of Medicine Campus Department name: SOM Psy Molecular Psychiatry Program 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.
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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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