The Department of Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist II to work with the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Immune Remodeling (JH CAIR), within the Division of Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology. This role involves collaborating with members of this and other labs in the program. The candidate will perform various techniques, primarily focusing on blood sample processing, isolating serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from participants in the JH LIISA 75+ Influenza Immunization study and other lab research work. The ideal candidate should be capable of exercising independent judgment in performing laboratory techniques related to studying the biological mechanisms of aging. The position also requires skills in data management, including data oversight and the creation/maintenance of databases for research data. This will include building data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, surveys, and data forms; working with data collection software, e.g., RedCap; monitoring the flow and completeness of data collected from participants enrolled in clinical studies; and ensuring proper execution of research protocols based on data review.

The candidate will work under the supervision of the JH CAIR Director, and Research Program Manager and laboratory supervisor, focusing on immunological studies in older adults. The Research Specialist II will also collaborate with other staff, fellows, and faculty in the division and partnering departments. Additionally, will provide training to individuals regularly or temporarily assigned to the laboratory when needed.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform various techniques, primarily focusing on blood sample processing, isolating serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from participants in the JH LIISA 75+ Influenza Immunization study and other lab research work (for example, cytomegalovirus and T cell studies).

• Perform various lab-based duties using scientific methods, procedures and techniques to conduct the laboratory measures for the Influenza Immunization study.

• Managing the logistics of laboratory sample procurement, and their respective processing, storage, analysis and tracking.

• Performs and evaluates research methods under supervision.

• Documents and reports all experimental results.

• Uses understanding of theory behind experiments and applies analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.

• Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, such as: Basic tissue culture; Cell separation methods; Electrophoretic separations; Assays; Basic molecular biology; Other specialized histology and biological techniques.

• Monitors inventory levels of laboratory materials and supplies and counts orders upon receipt.

• Operates appropriate equipment.

• Uses sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments. Be knowledgeable of and employ good tissue culture techniques.

• Operates requisite laboratory equipment and instruments; records data; maintains and makes minor adjustments to equipment. Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials. Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace.

Data management duties include

• Use various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, Redcap and other databases to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.

• Develop research instruments in Redcap (questionnaires, surveys, and data forms) necessary for study execution as well as monitoring flow and completeness of data from participants enrolled in clinical studies.

• Meet regularly with Principal Investigators, Research Program Manager, and other research staff members to review data accuracy and overall study progress.

• Work closely with data manager to assist in quality control procedures.

• Correct errors in database when necessary.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Two years laboratory experience 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

• Related Master's Degree.

• Experience in protein biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and cell culture are desired.

• Experience with Redcap / data management.

• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions.

• Proven ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously and to meet various concurrent deadlines.

• Very strong organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in MS word, Excel and Power Point.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB

Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($50,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: M-F 8:30a - 5p

Exempt Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid/Johns Hopkins Bayview

Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM DOM Bay Geriatric Medicine

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.