Research Assistant (Environmental Health and Engineering)

We are seeking a Research Assistant who will oversee data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Run routine and ad hoc reports.
• Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
• Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
• Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
• May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
• May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
• May design and format papers/publications.
• May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
• Other duties as assigned.

In Addition to the Duties Listed Above

• The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is seeking a Research Assistant to support laboratory research focused on the development of alternatives to animal testing.
• The main area of research in the laboratory is neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity, with links to autism and neurodegeneration.
• The research is focused entirely on in vitro methods — in particular, the development of in vitro 3D brain organotypical cultures (brain organoids), iPSC culture, electrophysiiology, and toxicity testing in brain organoids. The laboratory offers a collaborative, international research environment.

The Research Assistant will work closely with PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab, taking care of iPSC, neuroprogenitor cells, and 3D brain organoid cultures, and will be responsible for the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory. The Research Assistant will

• Maintain iPSC, neuroprogenitor cells, and 3D brain organoid cultures, including thawing, passaging, differentiation, cryopreservation, and routine quality control.
• Perform general maintenance of the laboratory, including cell culture work and keeping shared culture areas and equipment in working order.
• Perform immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation, and Real-Time PCR, and support related molecular and cell biology assays.
• Prepare media, buffers, reagents, and solutions, and maintain accurate preparation records.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education permitted by the JHU equivalency formula beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent of the JHU equivalency formula. 

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.
• One year of work experience in a cell culture laboratory.
• Cell culture experience (stem cells and organoids in particular), aseptic technique, and basic wet laboratory operations such as RNA isolation, Real-Time PCR, and Western blot.
• Hands-on experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, including maintenance, differentiation, and quality control.
• Solid working knowledge of molecular biology, including nucleic acid and protein techniques.
• Experience with gene editing techniques, such as cloning and CRISPR/Cas9 design, delivery, and clone validation.
• Knowledge of microphysiological systems (MPS), organ-on-chip platforms, or other 3D in vitro model systems.
• Background or coursework in neuroscience or developmental neurobiology and electrophysiology.
• Careful and accurate record keeping, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Analytical Skills - Awareness
• Attention to Detail - Awareness
• Data Management and Analysis - Awareness
• Formatting and Layout Proficiency - Awareness
• Information Gathering - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications - Awareness
• Organizational Skills - Awareness

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Assistant  
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD  
Starting Salary Range: $17.65 - $31.05 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Public Health  
Department name: Environmental Health and Engineering  
Personnel area: School of Public Health