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Requisition ID:  118245

Research Technologist

The Piacentino Lab (https://piacentinolab.com) is seeking a dependable, curious, and organized Research Technologist to join our team in the Department of Cell Biology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. We study early vertebrate embryonic development, with a focus on the neural crest—a migratory stem cell population that gives rise to the craniofacial skeleton, peripheral nervous system, and other critical tissues. Using in vivo chicken embryology and complementary in vitro and molecular approaches, we explore how lipid homeostasis regulates neural crest migration and differentiation.


This is an excellent opportunity for an individual seeking immersive experience in biomedical research and lab operations before pursuing a PhD or MD. The technologist will take primary responsibility for daily lab operations—maintaining inventories, preparing shared reagents, and supporting ongoing projects—while also contributing to experimental design and execution. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and excited to support discovery in a collaborative and curiosity-driven environment.


The technologist will learn and apply core molecular and cellular biology techniques and participate in experiments involving avian embryos, molecular cloning, cell culture, cryosectioning, and imaging. A foundational understanding of molecular biology or tissue culture is expected, and full training will be provided. There will also be opportunities to contribute to protocol development and experimental optimization, depending on interest and experience.


We value a curious, engaged mindset and offer close mentorship to foster scientific growth. The technologist is expected to attend lab meetings and seminars, participate in journal clubs, and contribute to scientific discussions. Contributions to publications are encouraged and supported. Strong communication and time management skills are essential for completing tasks efficiently and sustaining a productive research environment. With mentorship and initiative, this position offers exceptional preparation for PhD training in the biomedical sciences. Finally, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment for all, and expect the technologist to share in this goal.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Maintain lab inventories of plasmids, primers, antibodies, reagents, and consumables.
  • Prepare and aliquot stock solutions, buffers, and other routine reagents following standardized protocols.
  • Place, receive, and organize lab orders; maintain supply and reagent databases.
  • Support routine molecular biology workflows, including DNA/RNA/Protein isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, and western blotting.
  • Assist in maintenance of tissue culture stocks and routine cell passaging.
  • Contribute to experiments involving avian embryo manipulation, cryosectioning, immunostaining, and fluorescence imaging.
  • Help optimize and document lab protocols and experimental workflows.
  • Operate and maintain common laboratory equipment (centrifuges, pH meters, thermocyclers, microscopes, cryostats)
  • Maintain accurate electronic lab notebooks and ensure proper data organization.
  • Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminars; contribute to scientific discussions.
  • Collaborate with and support trainees, including assisting with onboarding and training in standard techniques.
  • Communicate clearly with team members to ensure smooth coordination of shared resources and timelines.
  • Comply with formal and informal institutional and group safety and reproducibility policies and practices.
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities with initiative and limited supervision after training.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Familiarity with basic molecular biology and/or tissue culture techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and work independently within a team setting.
  • Enthusiasm for scientific research and willingness to learn new techniques.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous hands-on research experience (~6 months or more) in an academic or industry setting is a plus, but not required.
  • Experience working with molecular cloning, PCR, biochemistry, or basic microscopy.
  • Familiarity with tissue culture workflows, including passaging and cell maintenance.
  • Exposure to developmental biology or cell migration studies.
  • Interest in pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD and seeking strong research mentorship.
  • Experience maintaining lab stocks, databases, or supply chains in a research setting.

 

 

Classified Title: Research Technologist  
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $ 26.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus  
Department name: SOM Cell Bio Cell Biology  
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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