Research Specialist II

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist II who will be responsible for supporting specialized laboratory needs, training new technicians, and troubleshooting within a shared research resource team. Assist laboratory management with tracking supplies, laboratory organization and upkeep and day-to day processing needs. Strong ability to troubleshoot and maintain specialized instrumentation (Applied Biosystems 3730, thermocyclers, QuantStudio 12kFlex, Accufill, QIAcuity, QIAgility among others). Work with instrument field applications specialists and engineers to ensure equipment functions properly. Provide recommendations towards purchasing of new equipment and reagents. Teach/train all lab staff and student interns on all procedures. Interact with customers to provide excellent customer service. Train customers on self-service equipment and troubleshoot problems with that equipment. Understand and follow Uniformed Guidance surrounding the operation of Shared Research Resources.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide immediate hands-on assistance for solving daily laboratory problems, troubleshooting equipment, software and reagent failures.
• Independently perform all assays following established procedures and protocols, Sanger sequencing, Pyrosequencing, digital PCR, OpenArray analysis.
• Assist in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting research data using various computer software applications to generate reports for service requests and present experimental data to the laboratory director.
• Operates standard and specialized equipment dedicated to laboratory services including but not limited to centrifuges, pH meter, analytical balance, pipettes, spectrophotometer, fluorometer, electrophoresis equipment, digital photography equipment, pyrosequencer, 3730 sequencers, qPCR instruments, and DNA thermal cyclers.
• Primary responsibility for hands-on training of new technicians and student interns in all aspects of required duties. Assist laboratory manager in assurance of proper training at the completion of the new employee probationary period.
• Oversee the receipt of customer orders and assure their delivery. Troubleshoot and solve problems relating to the placement and receipt of those orders, including billing.

Responsible for assisting lab managers in the following

• Establishment of up-to-date written laboratory protocols to support self-service instrumentation and general laboratory procedures.
• Provide back up for the lab managers for Sanger sequencing data release.
• Maintaining safety records.
• Maintaining service/maintenance records on all lab instrumentation.
• Assuring all required repair and maintenance visits are done in a timely fashion.
• Overseeing the self-service laboratory, including customer training, billing, equipment maintenance, and supply stocks.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interact with technicians in a way that creates an effective and productive work environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills.
• Must have the ability to follow and provide direction, both oral and written.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Able to make good judgments independently.
• Strong work ethic and excellent work habits.
• Must be able to work successfully both as part of a team and independently.
• Can utilize computers, multiple database instances and interfaces, all lab equipment and robotics.

Specific Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
• Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm, for example, using a keyboard.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters.
• Ability to move about workspace. Lift, carry, move supplies, computers, etc.

• 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.

• Knowledge of molecular biology theory and practice, especially PCR and sequencing.
  
• Experience in biomedical research or service laboratory.
• Experience in Sanger sequencing, qPCR and dPCR.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($56,800 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 8:30-5, with some variability
Exempt Status:Exempt
Location:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF
Personnel area: School of Medicine