Core Facility Research Specialist II (Molecular Microbiology & Immunology)

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute within the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health seeks a full-time Research Specialist II. This position will be situated within the JHMRI Core Insectary Facility under the direct supervision of facility director Dr. Conor McMeniman. The hire will work as part of a team and will be responsible for the mass production and quality control of mosquito colonies required to support JHMRI research operations, including downstream malaria parasite infection and mosquito transgenesis. This position will involve some light lifting, working in a warm and humid environment, and standing for prolonged periods while performing insect husbandry.

The Research Specialist II develops 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.

In addition to the duties described above

• Mass rearing and handling of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes to support core facility operations.

• Protocol optimization for mosquito mass rearing.

• Small animal handling for mosquito colony maintenance.

• Support mosquito transgenesis activities using embryonic microinjection.

• Maintain facility operations in compliance with all institutional and USDA guidelines.

• 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.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with husbandry of mosquitoes or other insects under ACL2 and/or ACL3 containment.

• Experience working with mice.

• Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and/or aseptic technique.

• Some experience with standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning).

• Some experience with insect transgenesis protocols (e.g. embryonic microinjection).

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 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Core Facility Research Specialist II (Molecular Microbiology & Immunology)   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Public Health  
Department name: W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy   
Personnel area: School of Public Health