Research Specialist

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join the Kebschull Lab (https://www.kebschull-lab.org/), an exciting and fast-paced Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The laboratory is active in two research areas: 1) development of new viral and sequencing tools to map brain circuits and 2) understanding changes to neuronal circuits across evolution and disease. To do so the laboratory uses molecular biology and synthetic biology approaches.

The Research Specialist will conduct scientific research and produce viral vectors and Illumina sequencing libraries. They will have a working understanding of the context and implications of the research in order to apply and interpret theoretical knowledge necessary to conduct research. The range of duties includes, but is not limited to experimental design, developing methodology, conducting procedures, modifying procedures as needed, data collection and analysis.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of biotechnological laboratory techniques using cell and molecular biology techniques (tissue culture; ultracentrifugation; DNA, RNA isolation; RT-PCR and westerns, sequencing library preparation, immunostaining).
• Follow established procedures and protocols, and utilize appropriate techniques to develop, perform and analyze experiments, which may include making protocol modification within the parameters set by investigator.
• Exercise independent judgment while participating in the planning of experiments, evaluation/interpretation of results, and organization of data.
• Help develop and carryout new techniques for various studies ongoing in the lab.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One 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.

• A minimum of two years in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques is preferred.
• Previous experience with viral vectors, and tissue culture.
• Candidates should be motivated, highly organized, have good communication and time management skills, and work effectively in a team setting.
• Experience in coding languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB.
• Strong molecular biology skills.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Possesses exceptional organizational skills.
• Possesses sound documentation skills.
• Ability to reliably and reproducibly carry out complex experimental protocols.
• Ability to work on multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to prioritize conflicting demands.
• Ability to execute assigned project tasks within established schedule.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: Min $16.92 - Max $29.61 HRLY ($ 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM BME Biomedical Imaging Science  
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
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 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