Research Technologist (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

The Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is searching for a Research Technologist for the BioMEMS Laboratory.  The Research Technologist will perform hands-on laboratory tasks and complete nucleic acid and microbiological assays following common or established protocols and procedures. These efforts will contribute to the development of microfluidic-based in vitro diagnostics for bloodstream infections under a NIH-funded project.

The Research Technologist performs laboratory tasks and completes routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols or with instruction.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques/methods of the lab.
• Gain problem solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.
• Run lab tests and complete measurements.
• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine assays.
• Increase skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures.
• Set-up experiments based on defined standards.
• Collect project data.
• Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitoring inventory of supplies, cleaning equipment.

• Following common protocols or with instruction and guidance, design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments for the development and validation of nucleic acid and microbiological assays.
• Collect, analyze, and report experimental results to graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.
• Following established protocols or with instruction and guidance, contribute to the development and validation of nucleic acid and microbiological assays implemented in microfluidic devices.
• Apply science knowledge to learn techniques/methods of the lab.
• Gain problem solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety practices at the BSL 2 level.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitoring inventory of supplies, cleaning equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related field.
• 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.

• B.S. or M.S. in microbiology, infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive experience with working in BSL 2 laboratories, including safe handling of blood samples and infectious materials.
• Extensive experience with microbiological assays (e.g., culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
• Extensive experience with molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR).
• Experience designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices and platforms (e.g., cleanroom microfabrication, laser cutting, thermoforming, 3D printing) and in microscopy-based characterization.
• Experience in data analysis and computational tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).

Technical Skills and Expected Level of Proficiency

• Data Collection and Measurement - Awareness
• Experimental Preparation - Awareness
• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance - Awareness
• Laboratory Techniques and Assays - Awareness
• Laboratory Troubleshooting and Technical Problem Solving - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications - Awareness

Classified Title: Research Technologist   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F/8-5 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Homewood Campus  
Department name: Department of Mechanical Engineering   
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering