Research Specialist (Oncology)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

15h•$17 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Gartrell laboratory studies the immune system and use of combination approaches including radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for adults and children with cancer. We focus on identifying features that make certain cancer patients more likely to respond to treatment. More specifically, we analyze location and phenotype of immune cells in the tumor to identify patterns that determine clinical outcome. We also evaluate cell phenotypes computationally using RNA sequencing and single cell analysis. Immuno-oncology research is a very exciting and fast-moving field, and our research is constantly evolving in response to new findings. In our lab, we are looking for highly motivated individuals who are interested in the intersection of cancer research and medicine. In the past, most staff have come in with an undergraduate degree in Biology, have done some previous research, and are very comfortable engaging with and organizing data. This position generally leads to authorship on several manuscripts, with the potential to be first author on a manuscript as well. This experience is invaluable for medical school applications and applicants from the lab are able to showcase extensive research productivity. We are seeking a Research Specialist who will perform a range of assays and experiments specific to an area of research, requiring a good understanding of the work of the laboratory. Makes contributions to various aspects of research efforts. Performs routine troubleshooting and helps with training and orientation of others working in the laboratory.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
One year of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
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

Experience in DNA/RNA extraction, next-generation sequencing techniques, protein extraction, western blotting and flow cytometry.
Experience and ability to work with in vivo models including mice.
Experience with coding including R or Python.
Experience with supervision of students and junior staff.

Responsibilities

Plan and run experiments after discussion with investigators. Work may include making protocol modifications within the parameters set by investigator.
Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, and evaluate results.
Use scientific knowledge and lab experience to evaluate whether component parts of experiments are working as expected.
Train/orient learners and new staff in the laboratory.
Assist in development of new techniques and instruments.
Become familiar with published research methods related to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with more senior laboratory staff and/or faculty investigators.
Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
May order equipment and supplies, and interface with vendors.
May facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members with research assays.
May participate in protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
May contribute to writing manuscripts and grants by writing methodology sections.
Other duties as assigned.
Formulate and perform complex lab experiments and analyze and report the data including interpretation of methodologies.
Perform advanced calculations and maintain appropriate log and lab notebook.
Conduct literature searches as directed.
Follow established procedures or protocols and utilize aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include: basic tissue culture, electrophoretic separations, assays, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques such as flow cytometry, DNA/RNA extraction, next generation sequencing.
Work with in vivo models including mice.