Research Specialist II

The Coyne laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute seeks a Research Specialist II to join our laboratory studying mechanisms and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We use a combination of cellular, molecular, and biochemical techniques in cultured induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons, transgenic mice, Drosophila, and postmortem tissue to study the disruption of ESCRT-III nuclear surveillance and nuclear pore complexes and identify novel therapeutic strategies. We are seeking an experienced laboratory specialist to become an integral part of our group, supporting and carrying out collaborative and independent work at the bench, participating in data analysis and research objectives, and supporting the day-to-day functioning of the laboratory.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Experimental techniques and areas may include mouse husbandry, genotyping, perfusion and dissection, and tissue sectioning, Drosophila husbandry, iPSC cell culture (passaging, maintenance, neuronal differentiation, cryopreservation, and transfection), immunofluorescence, protein and RNA extraction, Western blotting, qPCR, and microscopy.
• General laboratory support may include ordering materials and supplies, monitoring laboratory inventory, managing and maintaining basic laboratory equipment, and preparing common solutions and reagents.
• Follow established protocols and use independent judgement in conducting experiments and evaluating the next course of action.
• Effectively work in both an individual and team setting including training and supporting students in general laboratory tasks.
• Maintain excellent written records and electronic databases, using routine software applications, such as e-mail and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as scientific software including statistical/graphing programs (Prism), image analysis (MetaXpress, Imaris, ImageJ) and maintenance of an electronic lab notebook (OneNote, DropBox).

• Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
• Complete annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate.
• Monitor biohazard/radiation safety standards and proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• A minimum of two years of laboratory experience with mouse handling and genotyping OR.
• A minimum of three years of laboratory experience in cellular/molecular biology techniques and cell culture with a variety of cell types, including neurons.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($48,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Neurodegenerative and Injury Program
Personnel area: School of Medicine

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. 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/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
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 Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.