Job Req ID:  113531

Sr. Research Specialist

We are seeking a Sr Research Specialist to join the Kebschull Lab (https://www.kebschull-lab.org/), an exciting and fast-paced Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The laboratory is active in two research areas: 1) development of new viral and sequencing tools to map brain circuits and 2) understanding changes to neuronal circuits across evolution and disease. To do so, the laboratory uses molecular biology and synthetic biology approaches.


The Sr Research Specialist will conduct scientific research independently, drive forwards their own scientific projects, and/or support the projects of other lab members. They will have a deep understanding of the context and implications of the research in order to apply and interpret theoretical knowledge necessary to conduct research. The range of duties includes, but is not limited to experimental design, project decisions, developing methodology, conducting, modifying, and troubleshooting procedures as needed, data collection and analysis. There is the potential for authorship in scientific papers and participation in conferences. This position is suitable for individuals who desire to carry out exciting research in neuroscience and biomedical engineering.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Responsible to carry out and drive forward assigned on-going research projects.
  • Producing viral vectors and sequencing libraries.
  • Apply problem solving skills based on an understanding of the research and experience, and progressively develop skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
  • Identify and resolve problems involved in research assays.
  • Perform a variety of biotechnological laboratory techniques using cell and molecular biology techniques (tissue culture; ultracentrifugation; virus production; DNA, RNA isolation; RT-PCR and westerns, sequencing library preparation, immunostaining).
  • Follow and optimize procedures and protocols, and utilize appropriate techniques to develop, perform and analyze experiments, which may include making protocol modification with minimal supervision.
  • Exercise independent judgment while planning experiments, evaluating/interpretating results, and organizing data.
  • Demonstrate scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience.
  • Develop and carryout new techniques for various studies ongoing in the lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Possesses exceptional organizational skills.
  • Possesses sound documentation skills.
  • Reliably and reproducibly carry out complex experimental protocols.
  • Will work on multiple priorities effectively.
  • Can prioritize conflicting demands.
  • Will execute assigned project tasks within established schedule.
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Communicates effectively in speech and writing.
  • Must maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
  • Enthusiasm about and commitment to performing top-level research.
  • Candidates should be motivated, highly organized, have good communication and time management skills, and work effectively in a team setting.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
  • Four (4) years' experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
  • Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Candidates with a Ph.D. or Master's degree are strongly encouraged to apply and/or 2-10 years of experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques, coupled with knowledge of biological sciences, molecular biology, or chemistry.
  • Experience in coding languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB.

 


 

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: $47,500 - $83,300 Annually ($65,400; Targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday through Friday 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM BME Biomedical Imaging Science  
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
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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