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The Pathology Department is seeking a Sr. Research Specialist with a sophisticated understanding of clinical microbiology techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from experience. Expert in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques and analysis. Designs experiments and studies, analyzes data, and contributes to manuscript. Works independently and manages daily research projects. Will present at departmental/divisional meetings, and provides training to other individuals who may be assigned to the laboratory on a regular or temporary basis. The senior research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of specific research projects, experimentation, data collection and analysis, and organization of the laboratory. Under minimal supervision, performs clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by developing new or following established procedures and protocols. Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects. The research specialist will assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of projects, experimentation, data collection/maintenance, and organization of the laboratory. Runs lab tests and completes measurements as assigned. Identifies and resolves problems and uses analytical and decision-making skills to implement assigned projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform various microbiology laboratory techniques, including but not limited to: bacterial culturing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (or other phenotypic assays), PCR, and nucleic acid extraction.

• Conduct WGS and NGS on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. Analyze and transform raw NGS and molecular data from experiments in order to interpret in the context of clinical relevance.

• Design and execute experiments independently to investigate various aspects of antimicrobial resistance, microbial genomics, and related clinical microbiology topics.

• Perform the quality control evaluation and data analyses using existing computational tools as well as developing new computational tools.

• Create and implement laboratory standard operating procedures of all aspects of sample handling and analysis.

• Record outcomes/results of all experiments by writing.

• Report experimental procedures, results, and problems by writing at least once each week.

• Maintain database and organize clinical specimens and reagent resources.

• Exchange routine information in an appropriate manner. Regular interaction with students, vendors, post-doctoral fellows, faculty members, and other clinical fellows.

• Train students, staff members, and postdoctoral fellows with established SOPs for sample preparation and instrument operation. Oversight of day-to-day activity of students in the lab.

• Assist the principal investigator to coordinate the responsibilities for different projects and manage the laboratory operation.

• Interfaces with outside contacts, including presenting at meetings, leading multi-institution work groups, representing Johns Hopkins among research colleagues.

• Responsible for routine operational activities such as: ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, etc. Preventative maintenance of equipment and laboratory operation procedures.

• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements

• Computer and Laboratory equipment maintaining and operation lab such as: sequencing instruments (Illumina/Oxford Nanopore), centrifuges, freezers, vacuum, etc.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Have strong communication skills.

• Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports, with solid background in basic biostatistics.

Specific Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 70% of the time. Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.

• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results. Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).

• Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment. Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, radiation protocols, and other bio-hazardous materials. Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.

• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (specify)). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). In some areas workspace is limited.

• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must ensure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices. Rotating on-call, weekend, or pager duties are required. Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs). In the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather or declared emergency, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory 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

• PhD in biological science or related field.

• Some experience with molecular techniques, particularly WGS and/or NGS.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC

Starting Salary Range: $47,500 - $83,300 Annually ($65,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm

Exempt Status: Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Pat Pathology Medical Microbiology

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.