Research Specialist - Baltimore, United States - Johns Hopkins University

Description

Job Req ID: 114034

Research Specialist

The Pathology Department is seeking a casual Research Specialist with a firm understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from some professional experience.

Under minimal supervision, performs clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following established procedures and protocols. Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects.

The research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of projects, experimentation, data collection/maintenance, and organization of the laboratory.

Runs lab tests and completes measurements as assigned. Identifies and resolves problems and uses analytical and decision making skills to implement assigned projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs clinical and/or research lab tests and experiments. Plans and runs set of experiments after discussion with investigator.
• Follows established procedures and protocols, utilize appropriate technique to develop, perform and analyze laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include making protocol modification within the parameters set by investigator.
• Record outcomes/results of all experiments by writing.
• Report experimental procedures, results, and problems to PI through planned communication verbal and written/reports and logs.
• Maintain database and organize specimens and resources.
• Exchange routine information in an appropriate manner. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members.
• Train students, staff members, and postdoctoral fellows with established SOPs for sample preparation and instrument operation.
• Assist the principal investigator to coordinate the responsibilities for different projects and manage the laboratory operation.
• Create and maintain cell cultures and maintain tissue culture or animal experiments, and perform analysis of cells and animal models.
• Interfaces with outside contacts, including presenting at meetings, leading multi-institution work groups, representing Johns Hopkins among research colleagues.
• Responsible for routine operational activities such as: ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, etc. Preventative maintenance of equipment and laboratory operation procedures. Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements

• Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operation lab such as: HPLC, mass spectrometers, cell culture systems, spectrophotometer, centrifuges, freezers, vacuum, etc.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Have strong communication skills.
• Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
• Knowledge of good lab practices required. Individual must be 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 workspace 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.
• One year laboratory experience 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

• Course work in related areas like biomedical science, genetics, immunology.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Classified Title:
Research Specialist


Role/Level/Range:
ACRP/03/MA


Starting Salary Range:
$ $29.61 HRLY ($29,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group:
Casual / On Call


Schedule:
Casual/as needed


Exempt Status:
Non-Exempt


Location:
School of Medicine Campus


Department name:
SOM Pat Kidney Urologic Pathology


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:
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:
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 For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit

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 and all other JHU applicants should visit

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