Research Specialist/Research Associate

Research Specialist/Research Associate

The Department of Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist/Research Associate to join our NIH-funded pediatric surgery research group led by Shaun Kunisaki, MD. This basic and translational research laboratory focuses on stem cell biology and the regeneration of fetal lungs that have been injured prior to birth secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The laboratory collaborates with several principal investigators at Hopkins and elsewhere.

Under minimal supervision, the Research Specialist will independently perform laboratory experiments based on established procedures and protocols, including cell reprogramming towards pluripotency, in vitro modeling, animal surgeries, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans approach to experiments based on knowledge of scientific theory regarding fetal lung development and injury
• Independently performs day-to-day lab experiments by following established procedures and protocols and utilizing appropriate technique
• Maintains accurate data records and laboratory notebook.
• Maintains and makes necessary adjustments to equipment, e.g., calibrating, alignment
• May be responsible for routine operational activities such as ordering supplies and materials, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, maintenance of human and animal welfare protocols
• Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures
• Maintains and improves training procedures and is responsible for training entry-level employees on relevant techniques
• Additional responsibilities may include instructing/assisting students and postdocs contributing to general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies
• Contribute to manuscript development, drafting, and submission, resulting in co-authorship on presentations and written documents
• Other duties may also be assigned

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field required plus 2-3 years of full-time laboratory experience performing relevant techniques. Master's or other advanced degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
• JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. 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.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Relevant techniques include histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, PCR, rodent surgery
• Prior experience with human pluripotent stem cells and differentiation of these cells is preferred
• Willingness to learn new techniques
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work
• Comfortable with handling small animals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment

Ability to work on multiple assignments, set priorities, take initiative in defining and executing tasks, exhibit flexibility to respond to casual requests, exercise good judgment.

Please visit https://jobs.jhu.edu/search/?q=15687 to apply and email your CV to Shaun Kunisaki at skunisa1@jhmi.edu.