Career Center

The Pathology Department, Neuropathology division is seeking a proficient Sr. Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from experience. Under minimal or no supervision, performs research laboratory experiments by developing new or following established procedures and protocols. Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects. Provides training to other individuals who may be assigned to the laboratory on a regular or temporary basis. The senior research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of specific research projects, experimentation, data collection and analysis, and organization of the laboratory.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Primary Research

• Performs experiments related to primary neuronal cultures, neuronal differentiation of human stem cells, genetic manipulation of the above, phenotypic characterization of the above with the indicated molecular and biochemical methodologies.
• Performs western blot, PCR, cloning experiments, and related biochemical and molecular essays.
• Participates in preparation of tissues and immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization probing of gene expression in tissues.
• Working with the PI, develops new methods or imports new methods from other entities inside and outside Hopkins, including academia and corporations, as deemed appropriate for research programs in the Koliatsos Lab.
• Assists the PI in grant preparation as needed.

Laboratory management & research coordination

• Assists the principal investigator to assign responsibilities and coordinate different projects and manages the laboratory operations. This is the go-to in the absence of the PI.
• Maintains database and organizes specimens and reagent resources.
• Is responsible for routine operational activities such as: ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of experiments/projects, etc.
• Monitors inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements

• Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operating including: cell culture systems, microtomes/vibratomes, centrifuges, electrophoresis devices, HPLC, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, freezers, etc.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Expert in cell culture and molecular methods.
• Advanced knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Great organizational skills.
• Excellent record keeping and documentation skills.
• Able to work independently, under minimal supervision with strong decision-making skills and good judgment.

Specific Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 70% of the time.
• Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus.
• The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).

Laboratory environment

• Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed.
• Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas.
• Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area.
• Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, radiation protocols, and other bio-hazardous materials.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (specify).
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes).
• In some areas work space is limited.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must ensure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
• Four year's 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.

• Neuroscience lab experience.
• Stem/pluripotent cell differentiation into neurons.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: Min $47,500 - Max $83,300 Annually ($64,570 budgeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Pat Neuropathology  
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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