Research Specialist

The Infectious Diseases Division is seeking a highly motivated individual with experimental lab experience to work as a Research Specialist.  The Research Specialist will independently, or with minimal supervision, conduct experiments and data analysis on HIV, HCV, HSV-2, and SARS-CoV-2 studies in a Bio Safety Level 2 setting. The individual should be able to follow established procedures to perform experiments, participate in the planning of experiments, and assist in the training of new lab personnel. The Research Specialist is expected to routinely exchange information with other team members and collaborators in an oral and written manner. The successful candidate should be able to solve problems and utilize specialized knowledge in evaluating/interpreting results.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments following established procedures including whole blood/tissue processing, ELISA, Microscopy, DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, sequencing, viral loads, biomarker and cytokine multiplex assays.
• Make protocol modifications within the parameters set by the principal investigator.
• Keep detailed records of all the testing and help analyze the resulting data.
• Disseminate study information directly to colleagues and collaborators.
• Participate in the writing of papers and presentations for meetings/conferences.
• Assist with training of laboratory staff on specific lab procedures.
• Ship supplies to active study sites. Receive and process samples from study sites.
• Use specialized databases to maintain sample inventories and related data.
• Pull and aliquot samples from freezer inventories as requested.
• Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain accurate data records.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, incubator, plate washer, ultra-low temperature freezer, LN2 freezer, high-performance electrochemiluminescence imager, multi-mode plate reader, light microscope, thermocycler, and bio-safety cabinets.
• Assist with general lab maintenance. 

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

• Good oral communication and organizational skills are required.
• Previous experience with blood processing and using electrochemiluminescence imager are highly desired.
• Collaborative and cooperative team spirit are required.

Work Environment /While Performing the duties of this job

• May be required to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time.
• May be required to move lab equipment and/or supplies, usually less than 40 pounds, from one research area to another (within the main lab building or to other campus buildings).
• Exposure to 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 all Health Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or 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).

Classified Title: Research Specialist   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: $16.61-$22.83-$29.04 HRLY (Commensurate with experience0 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: ​​​​​​​School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM DOM Infectious Disease  
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. 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.