Job Req ID:  113282

Research Specialist

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic Research Specialist with some prior experience in biomedical research to work in a human pluripotent stem cell lab. The successful applicant will work closely with the principal investigator on their ongoing projects related to human stem cell-derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), oligodendrocyte cells (OLs), and microglia. Current projects include CRISPR genome editing of human stem cells, and high content and high-throughput drug screening approaches to identify small molecules relevant to RGC regeneration and OL development, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies for patients with blinding retinal diseases and demyelinating neuropathies. Additionally, the lab also uses CRISPR genome editing to create disease-associated genetic mutations in human stem cells and study the effect of those mutations in dysfunction of glial cells such as astroglia, oligodendroglia and microglia.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Follow and design protocols for human stem cell differentiation into RGCs, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia cells.
  • Assist in various projects that involve iPSC culture and CRISPR editing.
  • Work will involve, among other techniques, immunohistochemistry, imaging with confocal microscope, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, DNA/RNA extraction, subcloning of plasmids, iPSC culture, iPSC transfection etc.
  • Working with the principal investigator, will independently design and carry out experiments and interpret results.
  • Contribute to the planning and writing of any relevant publications.


Minimum Qualifications
  • 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.
  • Requires sophisticated experience with laboratory techniques in human stem cell biology and cellular and molecular biology.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with cellular and molecular biology, CRISPR gene editing and/or drug discovery.

 


 

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: $16.92 - $32.08 HRLY ($55,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; some weekend hours 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Oph Ocular Molecular Biology  
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:
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/.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. 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 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