Research Specialist II (SOM Pediatric Neonatology)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

53d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Pediatrics is seeking a full time Research Specialist II to work in a laboratory in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine that focuses on perinatal brain injury and provide lab support for ongoing funded clinical and preclinical studies. Consistent with a translational research program, our goal is to increase understanding of neural-immune communication to identify new therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. Under the supervision of a faculty investigator, the research specialist works independently to carry out research experiments, involving a range of sophisticated assays using modern molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cell biology techniques. This position involves providing laboratory, analytical and administrative assistance for several large studies involving collaborations. It also involves executing independent decision making and troubleshooting during experiments, and participation in the design of new methodologies. The candidate will be able to work on multiple research projects simultaneously and utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results and participate in planning new experimental approaches towards research goals. They will use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgement and decisions, and contribute to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity. The candidate will conduct experiments, collect/summarize data, analyze data, provide proper laboratory, and study subject care, maintain project data, and interface with a diverse collaborative of physicians and scientists. A successful candidate must be able to work independently under limited supervision and be facile in clinical and preclinical realms. Laboratory management includes tracking supply inventories, placing orders, interfacing with vendors, laboratory organization, upkeep, and compliance with safety regulations, equipment maintenance, upkeep, and organization of usage. Teaches/trains student and new technicians in the lab. Guides, directs, and facilitates problem solving for entry level lab members on a day-to-day basis. Also includes organization of use of equipment by investigators, and proactive attention to the needs of investigators for laboratory resources.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
Two years of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
Must be knowledgeable and have demonstrated skill in tissue culture, flow cytometry, protein chemistry and confocal microscopy and perform animal work independently.
The candidate should be able to design controlled experiments independently.
Perform established laboratory assays with the initial supervision of senior personnel until capable of performing those assays independently.
Self-motivated and actively seeking to further develop skills, expertise and knowledge in neuroscience and medicine.
Must be detail oriented, keep clear experimental records, have effective organizational skills, be a clear spoken and written communicator and be able to prioritize workload appropriately.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, when needed, as experiments may dictate.

Responsibilities

Responsible for completion of assigned on-going research projects.
Work independently.
Apply original thought to make decisions with PI.
Offer intellectual contributions to scientific research.
Develop, design and manage substantial research projects and coordinate own objectives.
Demonstrate scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience.
Demonstrate knowledge of theory behind experiments and applies analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.
Maintain quality control of various protocols performed to ensure highest standards of experimentation and rigor.
Follows and provides input to increase productivity of established procedures or protocols; utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, qPCR assays, ELISA assays, molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques, including microscopy and biochemistry.
Perform microscopy, flow cytometry and cell culture.
Utilize in vivo models in experiments and handle rats and mice.
Apply proper biosafety protocols to handle biohazardous and clinical trial samples, setting example for other lab staff on a continuous basis.
Demonstrate specialized knowledge to interpret and evaluate results and present results at lab meetings.
Monitor data quality and accuracy as required by research protocol.
Maintain appropriate documentation of research results, as required by research protocol. Recommend revisions to experimental methods based upon observations of the data and relative expertise.
Participate in experimental design; plan, implement, evaluate, and interpret results.
Conduct library research; participate in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication.
Perform surgeries and care for laboratory animals; perform behavioral testing following experimental protocols. Collect tissue in accordance with USDA, AALAC and IACUC guidelines.
Perform biomarker assays and collect samples in accordance with Biosafety and IRB guidelines.
Maintain daily lab notes, data and inventory spreadsheets.
Assure laboratory compliance with regulatory requirements and JHU standards, policies/procedures/regulations.
Use computers and computer-interfaced equipment to perform required duties.
Teach/train students and new technicians in the lab. Guide, direct and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on a daily basis. Mentor students and fellows; teach laboratory techniques and share scientific knowledge.
Review, edit and maintain updated animal protocols and clinical trial protocols.
As this is an exempt position, occasional weekend and after-hours work will be required.
Supervision periodically of students.