Research Specialist II (Ophthalmology)

We are seeking a Research Specialist II who will develop assays and protocols for PI approval and designs experimental approaches for laboratory projects. Performs a range of sophisticated assays. Makes significant contributions to various aspects of laboratory efforts and goals. Responsible for troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other laboratory personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct assigned laboratory projects.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, evaluate results, etc.
• Work independently and use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions.
• Teach/train learners, and new technicians in the laboratory.
• Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level laboratory members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.
• Make scientific contributions to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Collaborate in the development of new techniques and instruments.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
• Scientifically contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and proposals.
• Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual with an interest in biomedical research to work with human pluripotent stem cell. We use CRISPR genome editing to develop models of

• Human retinal diseases, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
• Demyelinating diseases (such as multiple sclerosis where myelin sheath on the CNS neurons is lost).
• Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), with a focus on the genetic mutations in NF1 gene that cause dysfunction of glial cells such as astroglia, oligodendroglia and microglia.
• We also use mouse model of neurodegenerative diseases for drug testing.

This work will involve a considerable amount of cell culture (particularly human pluripotent stem cells) and molecular biology work.

• The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel, and will be responsible for maintaining human pluripotent stem cells, as well as differentiating them into human retinal ganglion cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia.
• They will also assist in various molecular biology work that include molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western Blotting etc.
• While the majority of the work is related to cell culture and molecular biology, some animal handling and tissue processing will also be required, which they will need to perform under the supervision of the principal investigator or a senior scientist.
• The position will also require good organization skill, previous experience maintaining lab data, and working with vendors to order items and reagents for a research lab.

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

• Master's Degree with related graduate research.
• Some relevant post-undergraduate work experience in the field of cellular and molecular biology.
• Experience with cell culture work, ideally with human stem cell culture.
• Prior experience handling and working with animal models.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Assay Development and Validation - Developing
• Data Management and Analysis - Developing
• Experimental Design and Execution - Developing
• Operations Management - Developing
• Protocol Development and Optimization - Developing
• Scientific Writing - Developing
• Stakeholder Engagement - Developing

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

Classified Title: Research Specialist II  
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $42,330 - $74,110 Annually ($56,800 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus  
Department name: SOM Oph Ocular Molecular Biology   
Personnel area: School of Medicine