Create Alert
Apply now »
Requisition ID:  118421

Sr. Research Assistant

We are seeking a Sr. Research Assistant who will be research support for radiation oncology research in the central nervous system tumor program of Dr. Lawrence Kleinberg. The research focuses on a variety of areas which may change over time, and new projects may be developed. The primary project will be using machine learning to analyze radiomic and connectomic features of MRI imaging to predict and assess tumor response to treatment. Other projects include blood and imaging biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness and response, correlating radiation dose map with later changes in imaging, immune profiling of tumor specimens using long read sequences, patient decision making, and clinical data base studies. The majority of research activities will require in-person work. The Sr. Research Assistant will be expected to interact with patients, collect specimens and meet with collaborators. A portion of the work may be done remotely as determined by PI or his designee.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Learn to use oncology IT and treatment planning systems to organize and collect MRI scans and ultimately identify and outline areas of tumor.
  • Take the lead in working with data analysis and imaging scientist collaborators to use machine learning to develop imaging biomarker approaches to predicting and monitoring outcome.
  • Extract clinical information from the electronic health record for this and other studies.
  • Collaborate with oncologists, neurosurgeons, and lab scientists in collecting and evaluating blood and tissue specimens with the goal of developing biomarkers. This may include obtaining informed consent for study enrollment, collecting specimens that were obtained in the operating room, and drawing blood.
  • Participate in translational research which includes some laboratory responsibilities.
  • Author or contribute to papers and meeting abstracts, depending on contribution to the projects.
  • Research activities, program implementation responsibilities and education which may vary over the course of the employment depending upon program needs and opportunities.
  • Work closely with PI to coordinate and conduct research projects to include taking the lead in interaction with patients and collaborators such as radiation oncology residents, oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, data scientists, and laboratory scientists.
  • Enroll in and complete all required on-the-job trainings for conduct of human subjects research as required by NIH and JHU university partners, including ethics training, good clinical practice training, oral rapid testing certification, conflict of interest and patient privacy trainings.
  • Assist in study preparation activities such as editing and finalizing enrollment forms, questionnaires, operating procedures, curriculum materials, and communication flyers.
  • Learn to use University electronic health systems and radiation oncology treatment planning computer systems to collect and store data.
  • Learn to outline tumor regions on brain MRI using the radiation oncology treatment planning computer systems.
  • Participate in co-investigator and project meetings
  • Carry-out study recruitment and enrollment activities including discussing with patients identified by their medical providers and obtaining informed consent documentation.
  • Obtain clinical information as permitted by IRB approved studies from the health record and enter into secure databases.
  • Transport specimens obtained in the operating room or phlebotomy units to laboratories.
  • If Sr. Research Assistant is certified in phlebotomy, there may be occasions when blood specimens will need to be drawn although use of dedicated phlebotomy is generally preferred.
  • Participating in educational activities is encouraged.
  • Participate in supervising students working on the projects.
  • Contribute to analysis of data.
  • Present work at internal and external meetings when appropriate.
  • Write or contribute to writing scientific papers.


Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Advanced computer skills to include MS Office applications, as well as experience with software such as Adobe Acrobat and EndNote or other reference manager.
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn Redcap.
  • Ability to work via phone, virtual, and/or video-conferencing platforms Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
  • Able to work autonomously and meet required deadlines, including having independent decision-making and trouble-shooting abilities.
  • Strong communication and organization skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Highly motivated individual with ability to work on multiple and competing priorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, professional demeanor and the ability to quickly build relationships with team members and community partners.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in related discipline. 
  • Two years of related experience
  • Additional education may substitute for required the experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond High School Diploma or graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree is preferred in Public Health, Medical Informatics, Biology, Biostatistics, or related field or a MD degree.
  • Experience working in an academic research setting.
  • Experience working in a research lab.
  • Experience or training in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
  • Phlebotomy experience.

 

Classified Title: Sr. Research Assistant  
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: Min $41,300 - Max $72,300 ANNUALLY ($55,000 Targeted; Commensurate w/experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus  
Department name: SOM Rad Onc Clinical Faculty and Staff  
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.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

Apply now »