Career Center

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Manager, to assist in experiments and lab maintenance for the laboratory of Dr. Ambroise Wonkam, Director of the Department of Genetic Medicine. The position requires a developed understanding of molecular techniques required to carry out laboratory experiments and the ability to apply basic analytical skills to implement assigned projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs lab tests and experiments as directed by of the Laboratory Manager in support of research related to the study of genetic modifiers of sickle cell disease clinical expressions as well as functional validation of novel variants (in known genes or in novel genes) for congenital hearing impairment.
• With minimal supervision, follow established procedures or protocols of assays and wet bench techniques of cell biology and molecular biology including: nucleic acid isolation, quantitative real-time PCR, cell culture, transfection, cloning, gel electrophoresis, next-generation sequencing and gene expression studies.
• Independently operates basic laboratory equipment such as an analytical balance, light microscope, cell counter, thermal cyclers, real-time instrumentation and laminar flow hood. This person will also gain experience in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Will assist in data analysis and begin to learn computational methods to interrogate data emanating from genome-wide association studies. Uses lab computers for data entry and maintains accurate data records.
• Following standard laboratory procedures to prepare solutions and aliquot reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures. Assistants with preventative maintenance of equipment and maintain documentation of maintenance.
• Assist Lab Manager for inventory tracking and ordering.
• Use of computer software applications to assemble data.
• Responsible for adhering to all policies and procedures set forth by the JHU SOM and the Department of Genetic Medicine, including Administration policies.
• Other duties as assigned by Lab Manager and/or PI.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be familiar with the operation of laboratory equipment such as PCR machines, real-time PCR machines, centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, light microscope, imaging systems and laminar flow hoods.
• Must be organized and familiar with aseptic technique.
• Must be familiar with theory behind experiments and apply analytical skills to interpret experiments, including positive and negative controls.

Specific Physical Requirements

• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction; Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters; lift, carry, move supplies, computers, glassware, etc.
• Ability to move about workspace.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry 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.

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Research Specialist   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: Min $35,200 Max $61,600 ($48,400 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F 8:30 to 5pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine 
Department name: Genetic 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. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. 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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