The Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Specialist. This role will work under the general supervision of the Laboratory Director and will be available to support investigational laboratory research experiments by following and developing procedures and protocols in molecular imaging and therapy in the Department. We are seeking a dedicated research specialist for this long-term position. The candidate will work closely with several faculty members and assist in the development and evaluation of agents for molecular imaging and therapy, and conduct validation studies in preclinical small animal models.

Individuals with prior experience in mammalian cell culture (sterile technique), cell transfection & transduction techniques, histology & immunohistochemistry (IHC), microscopy & image analyses, and small animal handling & surgery, are encouraged to apply. Experience in molecular biology techniques (flow cytometry, RNA & protein extraction, and western blots) are a plus, but not required. Candidate will be expected to set up experiments based on defined standards, keep clear data records, present data summaries, identify and resolve common problems, and use analytical skills to implement assigned projects. Candidate should be able to work with radioactive materials and have flexibility in working hours. This position will work closely with members of the Nuclear Medicine Division post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform tasks associated with mammalian cell culture
• Perform tasks associated with cell-based assays
• Perform tasks associated with cell transfection & cell transduction studies
• Perform tasks associated with histology & immunohistochemistry (IHC),
• Perform tasks associated with optical microscopy & image analyses
• Perform tasks associated with multi-modal molecular imaging, image processing & analyses
• Perform laboratory experiments with small animal (rodents) models
• Perform small animal (rodents) surgeries
• Follow proper protocols to complete experiments for research studies: Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques/methods of the lab
• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures
• Be able to trouble shoot and resolve minor issues that may occur during the study
• Set up for experiments and clean up after they are completed
• Collect project data and help with data analysis
• Recommend revisions to experimental methods based upon observations of the data
• Be able to work on equipment in the lab and trouble shoot any issues that may occur
• Coordinates other services as required for a study procedure.
• Interact with faculty, lab and administrative staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, and outside vendors
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, participate in cleaning of common laboratory space/equipment and monitor inventory of supplies
• Responsible for routine operational activities such as reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, preventative maintenance of equipment, etc.
• Monitors inventory levels, order materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, count orders upon receipt
• Performs miscellaneous related duties as assigned

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and consistent basis by the incumbent. It should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are similar in nature and level of difficulty.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science Biomolecular Engineering, or a related field required
• 1 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*

* 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 the 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. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least six months of prior laboratory experience with of cell culture, cell transfection & transduction studies, histology & immunohistochemistry, microscopy & image analysis and experience with small animal (rodent) surgery is preferred.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of cell culture techniques
• Working knowledge of mouse handling
• Working knowledge of histology & immunohistochemistry
• Working knowledge of microscopy & image analyses
• Proficiency in the use of software applications: spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software required
• Proficiency in the use of any image processing software such as ImageJ; Adobe Photoshop; or Matlab
• Excellent organizational skills required
• Excellent attention to detail skills required
• Must have excellent time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, and effectively prioritize each
• Requires excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Specific Requirements:

• Must adhere to guidelines regarding honest reporting of sensitive and confidential information
  Understands the importance/impact of data integrity in terms of study results, costs, quality of service and scientific research in general

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk or sit for an extended period of time

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA 
Starting Salary Range: $16.29 - $22.38/hr (commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am - 5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: ​​​​​​​School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: SOM Rad Nuclear Medicine
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

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 HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. 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 on 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.

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