New

Sr. Research Specialist

Johns Hopkins University
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Feb 20, 2025
The Biology Department is seeking a full-time *Sr. Research Specialist* who will primarily be responsible for lab management and will investigate the structure and function of microbes. The employee will be a member of Dr. Gira Bhabha and Dr. Damian Ekiert's laboratories. This position's areas of focus are conducting scientific research and lab management. The individual will work with the Principal Investigator (PI) to manage and oversee the laboratory and conduct experiments. The employee will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Bhabha and Ekiert Laboratories and will provide guidance and direction to the effectiveness and efficiency of the labs. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Scientific Research Conduct independent research, using cell biology, microscopy, genetic, and/or biochemical techniques to study bacterial and/or parasite biology. Exercise independent judgment while planning experiments, evaluating/interpreting results, and organizing data. Demonstrate scientific methods, procedures, and techniques gained through previous training and experience. Develop and carry out new techniques for various studies ongoing in the lab. Performs routine and complex research, including bacterial continuous culture, protein biochemistry, and through other techniques. Independently processes and analyzes data, formulates conclusions, and creates appropriate statistical presentations, including graphs and charts, reporting to report research/laboratory results, grant reports, scientific presentations, and manuscripts. Tracking laboratory-derived data and results; responsible for keeping accurate lab record keeping. Attending and presenting data in lab meetings. Performs genetic manipulation of bacteria and parasites. Execute bacterial growth and protein expression. Handles culture of mammalian cells and microsporidian parasites. Carry out protein expression, purification and biochemistry. Run cloning, generate and validate plasmids via sequencing. Lab Management Training of all lab members of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab functions. Overseeing and enforcing quality control for lab jobs conducted by undergraduate students. Ensuring that all safety protocols are followed and updating safety procedures as needed; scheduling safety training for the team; point of contact for safety inspections. Making common lab reagents, solutions/buffers and media for multiple experiments and projects. Receiving and unpacking packages to ensure accuracy and efficiency for experiments. Maintaining lab plasmid inventory. Proper disposal of chemical and biological waste, ensuring that all processes are followed. Organizing and maintaining lab inventory to ensure the effectiveness of the lab processes. Maintaining and overseeing a high standard of organization in the lab to ensure the success of projects and experiments, this includes maintaining equipment service calls, contracts, and required forms. Organizing and stocking adequate lab reagents. Ordering supplies and materials for very active research group, includes negotiating with vendors, coordinating with departmental staff to make sure orders are placed, and following up on orders. Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities A very high level of organization, and ability to multi-task is required. Ability to exercise professional judgment, excellent written and oral communication skills is required. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Ability to work productively in an active, high performing, multi-tasking environment is required. Attention to detail is required. Knowledge of related technology, instruments, and equipment in biochemistry and cell biology is desired but not required. Mastery of molecular biology techniques (recombinant DNA cloning) is desired but not required. 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 Masters Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field. Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC Starting Salary Range: $48,000 -$66,000 - $84,100 Annually (Commensurate with experience) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5:30 pm FLSA Status:Exempt Location:Homewood Campus Department name: Biology Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences 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. EEOis 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.