We are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist who will conduct and oversee research studies and make intellectual contributions to the scientific research of the lab which focuses on identifying novel host-directed therapies for the treatment of tuberculosis and cancer. In collaboration with the PI, the Specialist will make decisions that may alter research objectives and direction.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Areas of responsibility are managing the research activities and day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
Manages independent research projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator focused on identifying host-directed therapies for tuberculosis and cancer.
Identify and select the best options for scientific strategies and research development based on literature reviews and collaboration with basic scientists.
Integrate advanced knowledge in immunology of tuberculosis and cancer to address current treatment gaps.
Design and develop novel host-directed therapies for tuberculosis and cancer.
Evaluating the efficacy of the novel host-directed therapies in mouse models of tuberculosis and cancer.
Conducting experiments directly related to the manipulation, isolation, culture, and infection of primary cell lines from mouse tissues for ex vivo Mtb-infection studies.
Prepare single cell suspension of the Mtb-infected lung samples for multicolor flow cytometry and Single cell RNA sequencing analysis.
Perform multi-color flow cytometry of the lungs isolated from Mtb-infected mice to assess the impact of novel HDTs upon host immune cells.
Extraction of total metabolites from Mtb-infected samples and perform metabolomics data analysis.
Conducting experiments directly related to the manipulation, isolation, culture, and propagation of cancer cell lines for subcutaneous implant of tumors in mice.
Assessing the cytotoxic activity of the diphtheria toxin fusion proteins against the cancer cell lines and determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations of the fusion proteins.
Prepare single cell suspension of mouse tumors for multicolor flow cytometry and Single cell RNA sequencing analysis.
Perform multi-color flow cytometry of the mice tumors to assess the impact of novel HDTs upon host immune cells.
Analyzing single cell RNA sequencing data using bioinformatic software such as R, RStudio and Bioconductor (from both tuberculosis and cancer experiments).
Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to oversee scientific management of the research laboratory.
Make decisions regarding research projects that may require assessment, revision of objectives, or altering scientific direction; considers resources and lab priorities when making decisions.
Develops the laboratory team by interacting with, guiding, and mentoring all laboratory members; provides appropriate constructive guidance and mentoring to senior laboratory members.
Advises and mentors the team by identifying and developing the potential of each laboratory member; develops training exercises to improve overall competency of individuals and the team in the lab.
Supervises entire laboratory group and/or several projects involving many laboratory members.
Establishes standards for job expectations and ensures accountability of all laboratory members, Encourages and inspires team goals and achievements.
Act as a resource for laboratory techniques for post-doctoral fellow and students and junior technicians.
Coordinate sample collection, shipment, and processing from national and international collaborators.
Applies advanced professional and scientific communication skills at local, national and international meetings; Enhances problem solving through interactions and discussions with collaborators or senior researchers at meetings and or professional presentations.
Makes changes in laboratory consistent with increasing productivity and decreasing cost and acts as central resource for administrative policies; translates policy changes into the laboratory workplace.
Evaluate options and make decisions regarding the purchase of new laboratory equipment.
Contribute to writing of scientific publications and grant applications.
Identifies problem areas, and then proposes and implements plans for solutions.
Exercises authority and intervenes to resolve scientific and administrative issues.
Perform sophisticated data analysis utilizing extensive knowledge base and varied methods experience.
Act as consultant to refine or adapt methodologies to fit research objectives. Collaborates in development of new technologies, protocols and uses of equipment.
Co-author publications. Contribute original thoughts, hypotheses, and analysis to write reports, abstracts and manuscripts.
Supervise work of Research Technologists and PhD students.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology or related field required.
Four years' experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
Experience with animal handling, murine models of cancer and tuberculosis, multi-color flowcytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, metabolomics data analysis.
Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree, with related graduate research or PhD degree, with related post-doctoral research.
Familiarity with tools for bioinformatic analyses (e.g., R, RStudio, Bioconductor).
Experience with pathogens preferred.
Experience with biosafety level-3 pathogens preferred.
Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Strong managerial and verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Supervisory experience helpful.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC Starting Salary Range: Min $47,500 - Max $83,300 Annually ($69,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm Exempt Status: Exempt Location: School of Medicine Campus Department name: SOM DOM Infectious Disease 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 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 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.
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.
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Accommodation Information
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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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