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Requisition ID:  117861

Research Specialist II

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.


Minimum Qualifications
  • 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.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 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 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. 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/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
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 Completing Studies
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.

Background Checks
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.

Diversity and Inclusion
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
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.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 https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. 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. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. 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 upon 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.
School of Public Health - East Baltimore Campus

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