Sr. Research Specialist
The Pathology Department is seeking a proficient Sr. Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from experience. Will perform animal surgeries to collect/process tissue samples and experiments including cell culture, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry with minimal supervision. Will manage the daily operation of the lab, including reagent preparation, ordering, inventory, and supervision of equipment. Will provide training as needed to individuals who may be assigned to the laboratory on a regular or temporary basis. The senior research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the design of experiments, analysis of data, and manuscript preparation. Is open to learning new techniques, developing and recording new protocols, and communicating regularly and effectively with the principal investigator. This individual should have a strong desire to become part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain mouse colonies, performing particular breeding schemes, genotyping, and weaning.
- Perform survival surgeries, collect and process tissues, and maintain detailed databases.
- Maintain multiple cell lines, associated databases, and routine testing of cells.
- Perform daily experiments including immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and cell treatments.
- Learn additional methods as needed including, but not limited to; ELISA, flow cytometry, laser capture dissection, and qRT-PCR.
- Scanning of histological slides, organization of slides and images, as well as generation and management of associated databases
- Maintain lab inventories, order supplies as needed, and organize general lab areas.
- Maintain databases and organize clinical and animal specimens and reagent resources.
- Create and implement laboratory standard operating procedures of all aspects of sample handling and analysis.
- Record outcomes/results of all experiments by writing.
- Report experimental procedures, results, and problems to principal investigator in a timely fashion.
- Attend weekly lab meetings to provide general updates and receive updates from lab members.
- Exchange routine information in an appropriate manner. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, faculty members, and other clinical fellows.
- Train students, staff members, and postdoctoral fellows with established protocols.
- Assist the principal investigator to coordinate the responsibilities for different projects and manage the laboratory operation.
- Responsible for preventative maintenance of equipment and laboratory operation procedures. Maintains laboratory standards and university policies.
- Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements
- Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operation lab such as: Cell culture systems, whole slide scanner, spectrophotometer, centrifuges, freezers, vacuum, chemiluminescence/fluorescence imager etc.
Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Reasonable computer skills.
- Have strong communication skills.
- Uses various software applications, such as Microsoft Excel, GraphPad prism, and image analysis software.
- Adaptable to a fast-pace, dynamic environment.
Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications
- Advanced knowledge of good laboratory practices.
- Able to work independently, under minimal supervision with strong decision-making skills and good judgment.
Specific Physical Requirements
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 70% of the time.
- Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus.
- The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
- Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
- Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
Laboratory Environment
- Exposure to toxins and 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 procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas.
- Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area.
- Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
- Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, radiation protocols, and other bio-hazardous materials.
- Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
- May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (specify).
- May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example- supply boxes or Formalin cubes).
- In some areas work space is limited.
- Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
- Rotating on-call, weekend, or pager duties are 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).
- In the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather or declared emergency, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
- Four year's 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
- Experience in animal breeding, and maintenance preferred.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC
Starting Salary Range: Min $47,500 - Max $83,300 Annually ($64,570 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, Start/End times are flexible
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus
Department name: 10003056-SOM Pat Kidney Urologic Pathology
Personnel area: School of Medicine