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Job Req ID:  115081

Research Specialist II

The Department of Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist II to work with the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Immune Remodeling (JH CAIR), within the Division of Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology. This role involves collaborating with members of this and other labs in the program. The candidate will perform various techniques, primarily focusing on blood sample processing, isolating serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from participants in the JH LIISA 75+ Influenza Immunization study and other lab research work. The ideal candidate should be capable of exercising independent judgment in performing laboratory techniques related to studying the biological mechanisms of aging. The position also requires skills in data management, including data oversight and the creation/maintenance of databases for research data. This will include building data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, surveys, and data forms; working with data collection software, e.g., RedCap; monitoring the flow and completeness of data collected from participants enrolled in clinical studies; and ensuring proper execution of research protocols based on data review.


The candidate will work under the supervision of the JH CAIR Director, and Research Program Manager and laboratory supervisor, focusing on immunological studies in older adults. The Research Specialist II will also collaborate with other staff, fellows, and faculty in the division and partnering departments. Additionally, will provide training to individuals regularly or temporarily assigned to the laboratory when needed.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Perform various techniques, primarily focusing on blood sample processing, isolating serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from participants in the JH LIISA 75+ Influenza Immunization study and other lab research work (for example, cytomegalovirus and T cell studies).
  • Perform various lab-based duties using scientific methods, procedures and techniques to conduct the laboratory measures for the Influenza Immunization study.
  • Managing the logistics of laboratory sample procurement, and their respective processing, storage, analysis and tracking.
  • Performs and evaluates research methods under supervision.
  • Documents and reports all experimental results.
  • Uses understanding of theory behind experiments and applies analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.
  • Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, such as: Basic tissue culture; Cell separation methods; Electrophoretic separations; Assays; Basic molecular biology; Other specialized histology and biological techniques.
  • Monitors inventory levels of laboratory materials and supplies and counts orders upon receipt.
  • Operates appropriate equipment.
  • Uses sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments. Be knowledgeable of and employ good tissue culture techniques.
  • Operates requisite laboratory equipment and instruments; records data; maintains and makes minor adjustments to equipment. Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials. Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace.


Data management duties include

  • Use various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, Redcap and other databases to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
  • Develop research instruments in Redcap (questionnaires, surveys, and data forms) necessary for study execution as well as monitoring flow and completeness of data from participants enrolled in clinical studies.
  • Meet regularly with Principal Investigators, Research Program Manager, and other research staff members to review data accuracy and overall study progress.
  • Work closely with data manager to assist in quality control procedures.
  • Correct errors in database when necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
  • Two years 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.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Related Master's Degree.
  • Experience in protein biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and cell culture are desired.
  • Experience with Redcap / data management.
  • Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions.
  • Proven ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously and to meet various concurrent deadlines.
  • Very strong organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. 
  • Excellent computer skills including proficiency in MS word, Excel and Power Point.

 

 

Classified Title: Research Specialist II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($50,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F 8:30a - 5p 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/Johns Hopkins Bayview 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM DOM Bay Geriatric Medicine  
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

 

 

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.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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