Research Specialist

The Modell lab at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine studies CRISPR-Cas9 biology and bacterial mechanisms of phage defense more broadly. Specifically, we explore how CRISPR-Cas9 systems function in nature to provide their bacterial hosts with adaptive immunity against phages and plasmids. More recently, we have begun identifying and characterizing new phage defense systems, and we believe this knowledge will be crucial for the development of phage therapies for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. We ask fundamental biological questions with an array of approaches including genetics, genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and live-cell microscopy. Our studies provide insights into (i) bacterial decision-making and stress responses, (ii) the emerging field of phage therapy for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections and (iii) the development of new and improved Cas9 tools.

We are seeking a Research Specialist to carry out independent projects, make research project decisions that may alter research objectives and direction, and contribute to writing peer-reviewed manuscripts in a bacteriology laboratory studying how CRISPR-Cas9 immune systems function in their native bacterial hosts (85% of time). The specialist will also provide general support to the laboratory by training new students and technicians, performing general laboratory tasks and managing laboratory equipment and supplies (15% of time). The lab is located in Baltimore, MD at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Please visit our website for additional information: http://www.modelllab.com/.

Specific duties & responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research projects in the interest of the laboratory’s scientific objectives.
• Follow established protocols, design, optimize and execute new experimental protocols as necessary. Apply independent judgment in conducting experiments and evaluating next courses of action.
• Evaluate results and prepare figures for peer-reviewed publications and grants.
• Work independently or in team-based setting and coordinate own objectives with those of laboratory colleagues and team members. Interact with and/or train other lab members.
• Experimental techniques and areas will include: genetically manipulating and growing bacteria and phage, performing cell culture time-courses and experiments, cloning and sequencing plasmid constructs, performing molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis and nucleic acids purification, preparation of DNA libraries for deep sequencing, western blots, northern blots, qPCR), microscopy, IP, Co-IP, in vitro biochemical assays.
• General laboratory support may include: managing and organizing laboratory equipment, protocols and databases, monitoring inventory levels, ordering materials and supplies, preparing specialized buffers and reagents to support all lab members, operating and maintaining basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, light microscope.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

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 workspace is limited.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices. Rotating on-call, weekend, or pager duties are required. Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs). In the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather or declared emergency, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.

Special knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Have strong communication skills.
• Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
• Knowledge of good lab practices required. Individual must be able to work independently, under minimal supervision with strong decision-making skills and good judgment.
• Self-motivated and actively seeking to increase skills, expertise and knowledge-base.

Supervisory responsibility (indicate the number and type of persons supervised by incumbent):

• May provide training and guidance to other lab personnel.
  

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One (1) year 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.

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Independent research project not related to normal course requirements strongly preferred.
• Experience with cloning/molecular biology and/or microbiology. 

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: Min $16.92 - Max $29.61 HRLY ($50,000 Targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: SOM MBG Molecular Biology and Genetics  
Personnel area: School of Medicine