The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist , who under the supervision of a faculty investigator, is responsible for independently performing a range of analyses and tests on human fluids and/or tissue or cultured cell lines, the cryogenic preservation of analytes and biological isolates and the distribution of biological materials. In addition, this role will involve consulting, coordinating and initiating biobanking projects in a busy core facility. Work requires basic and advanced knowledge of cryogenic preservation, clinical trials, consent and IRB regulations, use of scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience. Uses understanding of biobanking processes and applies skills to implement assigned projects and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Follows established standard operating procedures or protocols and utilizes appropriate technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, which may include cryopreservation of blood isolates, cells, tissue or other biologicals, tissue culture, cell separation methods, clinical trial support assays, basic and advanced molecular and cellular biology, or other specialized biological and clinical science techniques.

• Will be expected to function in an independent manner and participate in establishing new techniques/assays in the lab.

• Responsible for troubleshooting experiments and will be encouraged to consult various resources for optimization.

• Function as an active member of the Quality Assurance Team Lead: Maintenance log tracking, inventory monitoring, distribution tracking, technology transfer agreement monitoring, sterility testing, equipment maintenance agreement upkeep, investigator billing, weekly success reporting and quarterly function checks.

• Perform regular quality tracking reports and present to the Quality Assurance Team and CAP compliance committee.

• Maintain clinically accurate and compliant data records. Updating of database and documentation in Laboratory notebooks and the Inventory monitoring system (LIMS). Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating, alignment.

• Independently uses various software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or reports. Carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision.

• Monitor dry ice usage and prepare dry ice invoices for the Johns Hopkins community.

• Support and assist in plans and development for an Institutional Biorepository.

• Analyzing Quality Monitors specific to the biorepository and prepare reporting documents.

• Design and perform biorepository protocol preparation sheets and process accordingly.

• Perform various clinical support techniques, from sera/ plasma and blood isolations, fibroblast establishment and lymphocytic cell line establishment.

• Assist in general maintenance of the laboratory and associated document tracking to support CAP quality assurance.

• Will assist in the preparation of any manuscripts resulting from work in the lab.

• Will cross-train in other divisions and perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic understanding of molecular biology, blood processing, and cell biology.

• Requires the ability to safely operate scientific laboratory equipment.

• The job requires superior organizational skills for time and data management.

• Requires excellent communication skills and the ability to function well in a team production setting.

Machines/equipment used

• Liquid nitrogen cryogenic units

• Cryocart

• Ultracold freezers

• CO2 incubators

• Laminar flow hood

• Centrifuge

• Microscope

• Cell counter

• Autoclave

• Computers/ iPad etc.

Physical Requirements

• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

• Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm.

• Communication skills using the spoken word.

• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters; lift up to 50 lbs (40lbs for women), carry, move supplies, computers, glassware, etc.

• Ability to move about workspace.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.

• Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities.

Classified Title: Research Specialist

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA

Starting Salary Range: $16.92 - $29.61 HRLY ($41,600 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF

Personnel area: School of Medicine

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The university promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.