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Job Req ID:  115400

Research Specialist II

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist II who will be responsible for supporting specialized laboratory needs, training new technicians, and troubleshooting within a shared research resource team. Assist laboratory management with tracking supplies, laboratory organization and upkeep and day-to day processing needs. Strong ability to troubleshoot and maintain specialized instrumentation (Applied Biosystems 3730, thermocyclers, QuantStudio 12kFlex, Accufill, QIAcuity, QIAgility among others). Work with instrument field applications specialists and engineers to ensure equipment functions properly. Provide recommendations towards purchasing of new equipment and reagents. Teach/train all lab staff and student interns on all procedures. Interact with customers to provide excellent customer service. Train customers on self-service equipment and troubleshoot problems with that equipment.  Understand and follow Uniformed Guidance surrounding the operation of Shared Research Resources.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide immediate hands-on assistance for solving daily laboratory problems, troubleshooting equipment, software and reagent failures.
  • Independently perform all assays following established procedures and protocols, Sanger sequencing, Pyrosequencing, digital PCR, OpenArray analysis.
  • Assist in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting research data using various computer software applications to generate reports for service requests and present experimental data to the laboratory director.
  • Operates standard and specialized equipment dedicated to laboratory services including but not limited to centrifuges, pH meter, analytical balance, pipettes, spectrophotometer, fluorometer, electrophoresis equipment, digital photography equipment, pyrosequencer, 3730 sequencers, qPCR instruments, and DNA thermal cyclers.
  • Primary responsibility for hands-on training of new technicians and student interns in all aspects of required duties. Assist laboratory manager in assurance of proper training at the completion of the new employee probationary period.
  • Oversee the receipt of customer orders and assure their delivery. Troubleshoot and solve problems relating to the placement and receipt of those orders, including billing.


Responsible for assisting lab managers in the following

  • Establishment of up-to-date written laboratory protocols to support self-service instrumentation and general laboratory procedures.
  • Provide back up for the lab managers for Sanger sequencing data release.
  • Maintaining safety records.
  • Maintaining service/maintenance records on all lab instrumentation.
  • Assuring all required repair and maintenance visits are done in a timely fashion.
  • Overseeing the self-service laboratory, including customer training, billing, equipment maintenance, and supply stocks.


Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to interact with technicians in a way that creates an effective and productive work environment.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills.
  • Must have the ability to follow and provide direction, both oral and written.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
  • Able to make good judgments independently.
  • Strong work ethic and excellent work habits.
  • Must be able to work successfully both as part of a team and independently.
  • Can utilize computers, multiple database instances and interfaces, all lab equipment and robotics.


Specific Physical Requirements

  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • 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, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Communication skills using the spoken word.
  • Ability to see and hear within normal parameters.
  • Ability to move about workspace. Lift, carry, move supplies, computers, etc.


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
  • Knowledge of molecular biology theory and practice, especially PCR and sequencing.
  • Experience in biomedical research or service laboratory.
  • Experience in Sanger sequencing, qPCR and dPCR.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

 

 

Classified Title: Research Specialist II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($56,800 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30-5, with some variability 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF  
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.
School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus

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