Research Specialist II

The Department of Oncology is seeking a full time Research Specialist II.  The Rubens’ Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to lead the development of new therapeutics targeting metabolic regulation of epigenetic drivers in aggressive pediatric brain tumors. Our laboratory has developed a unique niche in childhood cancer research at the cross-section of drug development, cancer metabolomics, and epigenetics. The research specialist will process and analyze metabolomics data, plan and analyze DNA methylation studies, and test the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of novel therapeutics in patient-derived cell models and mouse xenografts of pediatric brain tumors. The Rubens’ Laboratory exists within the larger Eye and Brain Tumor Research Laboratory in the State-of-the-Art Smith Research Building and is part of the Oncology Department at Johns Hopkins. This position requires experience in basic laboratory techniques in molecular biology and tissue culture.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops experimental designs and has primary responsibility for planning, implementation, evaluation and interpretation results; design process may be in collaboration with the PI or completed independently.
• Identifies problems, troubleshoots and analyzes variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols; modifies, refines or adapts techniques and procedures; modifies and/or adjusts quality control measures.
• Coordinates and/or conducts multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project.
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets research data Monitors documentation of results; reviews and recognizes documentation, which may lead to modification and adaptation of research methodologies; may collaborate with others; Adapts and/or modifies experimental methods based upon interpretation of data.
• Conducts library research and participates in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication.
• Oversees and assures laboratory compliance with regulatory requirements and JHU standards, policies and procedures.
• Works with research staff to prioritize and schedule projects. 

Minimum Qualifications (mandatory):

Education:

• BS/BA in biological sciences, chemistry or related field required
• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ laboratory experience performing relevant techniques in a comparable setting required
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula***.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Culture and analysis of cell lines, immunohistochemistry, western blot
• Performing established laboratory assays under the supervision of the faculty investigator
• Operation of centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, light microscope, imaging systems and laminar flow hoods;
• Familiarity with aseptic technique
• Mouse work
• Familiarity with theory behind experiments; ability to apply analytical skills to interpret experiments using positive and negative controls

*** JHU Equivalency Formula:  18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. 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.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II
Working Title: Research Specialist II  ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB 
Starting Salary Range: $38,920-$53,520
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt  
Location: 04-MD:School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: 10002936-SOM Onc Pediatric Oncology 
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

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 HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work.  Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

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.

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