The Global Enteric Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is seeking a Research Specialist ll with a strong interest in molecular biology, diagnostics, infectious diseases, and global health. This position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing enteric disease research and improving laboratory capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The successful candidate will contribute to several exciting projects, with a primary focus on expanding previous research to validate sustainable methods for preserving biospecimens of enteric pathogens. These pathogens include Adenovirus 40/41, Cryptosporidium, Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter, sapovirus, and Enteropathogenic E. coli. The project aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities and assess diarrheal disease burden in pediatric populations across Africa. Additional ongoing projects include a cholera consortium led by Africa CDC and Johns Hopkins University, in collaboration with Scripps Research and National Health Laboratories across five African countries. This initiative seeks to strengthen cholera genomic surveillance and improve laboratory capacity by implementing sustainable, low-cost diagnostics. These projects are funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

As part of this role, the Research Specialist ll will work closely with an extensive network of experts, including laboratory scientists, bio informaticists, and external cholera specialists from institutions such as Johns Hopkins, the University of Virginia, Scripps Research, US CDC, and Africa CDC. This position offers a unique blend of laboratory research, data analysis, and international collaboration, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about infectious disease research and global health initiatives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research, including microbiology techniques, such as bacterial culture and identification, and molecular and immunological assays including ELISA, immunoblot, electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, and basic tissue culture.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with biohazard safety regulations while handling infectious materials.
• Organize and track sample inventories and laboratory supplies, ensuring meticulous record-keeping.
• Assist with data analysis, statistical evaluations, and advanced molecular techniques (e.g., VNTR, whole genome sequencing).
• Contribute to manuscript and grant writing, including preparing figures and tables for publication.

Opportunities for Growth

• Collaborate on high-impact global health research with leading experts.
• Gain authorship on scientific publications.
• Engage in professional development through Coursera online courses and tuition support available to Johns Hopkins employees.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience with wet lab PCR methods for bacterial pathogens.
• Experience with bacterial culture and extraction methods.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of large international collaborations.
• 2+ years relevant laboratory experience.

• Ability to multi-task and communicate effectively.

• Some familiarity with bioinformatic methods and/or basic programming skills.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Research Specialist II   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am ? 5:00 pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Public Health - East Baltimore Campus 
Department name: 10001140-Global Disease Epidemiology and Control 
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

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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