Research Assistant (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

2d•$17 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Research Assistant who will oversee data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team. The Research Assistant will focus on microfluidic-based cell purification and device validation for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) isolation using viscoelastic inertial focusing on a dynamic laboratory environment. This role involves experimental microfluidic device testing and hands-on cell processing workflows, contributing directly to funded translational bioengineering research projects. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Run routine and ad hoc reports. Use standard tools and computer programs to review data. Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables. Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry. May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently. May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts. May design and format papers/publications. May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels. Other duties as assigned. In addition to the duties listed above Perform RGC purification from dissociated retinal samples using viscoelastic inertial microfluidic platforms, optimizing flow parameters and polymer concentrations to maximize recovery and purify. Fabricate, assemble, and test microfluidic devices, including device priming, troubleshooting flow instability, and validating separation performance. Conduct cell handling procedures including tissue dissociation, cell staining, viability assessment, flow characterization, and downstream purity analysis (e.g., microscopy, immunostaining, or RT-PCR) Analyze device performance metrics (recovery rate, purity, throughput) and document optimization experiments to improve separation efficiency and reproducibility. Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare technical summaries and figures to support progress reports, publications, and grant deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Nice To Haves

Strong foundation in cell biology or bioengineering with practical experience in sterile cell handling and mammalian cell processing
Experience working with microfluidic systems, fluid handling equipment, or benchtop device testing
Ability to follow rigorous experimental protocols, troubleshoot independently, and maintain reproducible workflows
Prior experience with microfluidic device fabrication or testing, viscoelastic or inertial focusing systems, or cell sorting methodologies
Familiarity with immunocytochemistry techniques and tissue culture techniques
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and basic data analysis tools (e.g. ImageJ, MATLAB, or similar platforms)

Responsibilities

Run routine and ad hoc reports.
Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
May design and format papers/publications.
May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
Other duties as assigned.
Perform RGC purification from dissociated retinal samples using viscoelastic inertial microfluidic platforms, optimizing flow parameters and polymer concentrations to maximize recovery and purify.
Fabricate, assemble, and test microfluidic devices, including device priming, troubleshooting flow instability, and validating separation performance.
Conduct cell handling procedures including tissue dissociation, cell staining, viability assessment, flow characterization, and downstream purity analysis (e.g., microscopy, immunostaining, or RT-PCR)
Analyze device performance metrics (recovery rate, purity, throughput) and document optimization experiments to improve separation efficiency and reproducibility.
Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare technical summaries and figures to support progress reports, publications, and grant deliverables.