Sr. Research Specialist

We are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist who will contribute to scientific research interests of the laboratory. The successful candidate will be managing the lab, managing biological samples inventory, managing vaccine clinical trials and related work, and providing laboratory assistance for ongoing research studies.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• The Senior Research Specialist will contribute to writing peer-reviewed manuscripts and grants and will apply independent thought to make decisions with the Principal Investigator.
• Help to supervise other more junior staff in the laboratory and provide recommendations for evaluation of other more junior staff.
• Develop assays and protocols for the Principal Investigator's approval and will carry out troubleshooting, training/guidance of other lab personnel.
• Also perform laboratory tests utilizing requisite lab equipment and instruments as well as utilizing specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. reading controls, evaluate results, as required.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with the Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to reports, manuscripts, and grants by preparing analyzed data into tables and figures for scientific publications.
• Act as consultant to refine or adapt methodologies to fit research objectives and will collaborate in development of new technologies, protocols and uses of equipment.
• Teach/train students and new technicians in the lab and will guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.
• The laboratory carries out various assays and/or experiments. These include enteric microbiology (e.g. culture and identifications of specific bacteria), ELISA, immunoblot methods, electrophoresis, basic tissue culture, PCR, following established procedures or protocols. These assays typically work with biohazardous materials.
• Be responsible for laboratory maintenance, supervising the preparation of solutions and media and ordering supplies and interfacing with vendors.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments, record data, maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment.
• Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens and will comply with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace.
• Complete annual university biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.
  

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
• Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Skills with Microsoft Access and graphic software for laboratory data will be helpful.
• The ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel is essential.

Physical Requirements

• Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands.
• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting, carrying objects weighing 10 lbs. or less.
• Occasionally pushing, pulling objects weighing 30 lbs. or less.
• Ability to move about.
• Work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality.
• Work environment may include areas of unpleasant extremes of cold or heat.
• Biohazardous conditions such as the risk of microbial contamination, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals may be present in this work environment which mandates attention to safety considerations.
• Near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.
• Sharp focus to adjust vision when doing close work that changes in distance from eyes.
• Full spectrum vision to identify and distinguish color.
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s) for example, using a keyboard or pipet.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: Min $47,500 - Max $83,300 Annually ($49,198 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health 
Department name: ​​​​​​​Global Disease Epidemiology and Control  
Personnel area: School of Pub