Research Specialist II

The Johns Hopkins University is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist II who is interested to join our team within Neuroscience to work on the in vitro and in vivo testing of brain gene therapy candidates. The Research Specialist II will participate in the development and testing of gene transfer methods for the mouse brain. She/he will be working on a team that includes other technicians, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and will make significant and important contributions to various aspects of these research eff orts. This will include neuronal cultures, rodent injections, genotyping, gene expression measurement qPCR, and immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and how defects in this process cause intellectual disability, autism, and epilepsy. We use a wide spectrum of techniques (molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, mouse genetics, histology, in vitro/in vivo imaging, omics studies) to study sensory the neurons that support learning and intelligence.

The individual will contribute through cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering, FACS, sequencing, genotyping, qPCR, in vitro/vivo electroporation, and immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry towards the overall goal of advancing genetic modification tools and generating genetically modified marmosets. The employee will work in an interdisciplinary Marmoset Working Group at Hopkins funded by the BRAIN Initiative (U01DA056556) with broad expertise in embryology, reproductive techniques, genetic engineering, and neuroscience.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Make scientific contribution to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
• Maintain detailed working knowledge of all assigned protocols.
• Collaborate with lab members in development of new techniques and instruments.
• Assistance with the maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of lab goals and objectives.
• Analyze data and process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Assist with the development and administration of laboratory budget.
• Contribute toward the efficient utilization of resources, equipment and space.
• Manage inventory, monitor supply levels, order equipment and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, and initiate the process for equipment repair when needed.
• Teach/train students, and new technicians in the lab. Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on day-to-day problems.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
• Work on CRISPR/Cas9 genetic editing of stem cells and the generation of mutant non-human primate models for neuroscience.
• Participate in developing and testing genetic editing methods applicable to stem cells and embryos.

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

• Prior experience with stem cells, CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering, molecular biology techniques, DNA/RNA sequencing techniques, electroporation, and imaging.
• Able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Problem solving skills.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: Min $40,900 - Max $71,600 Annually ($56,250 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30-5:00 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Neuro Sci Neuroscience  
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