We are seeking a Sr Research Specialist to join the Kebschull Lab (https://www.kebschull-lab.org/), an exciting and fast-paced Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The laboratory is active in two research areas: 1) development of new viral and sequencing tools to map brain circuits and 2) understanding changes to neuronal circuits across evolution and disease. To do so, the laboratory uses molecular biology and synthetic biology approaches.

The Sr Research Specialist will conduct scientific research independently, drive forwards their own scientific projects, and/or support the projects of other lab members. They will have a deep understanding of the context and implications of the research in order to apply and interpret theoretical knowledge necessary to conduct research. The range of duties includes, but is not limited to experimental design, project decisions, developing methodology, conducting, modifying, and troubleshooting procedures as needed, data collection and analysis. There is the potential for authorship in scientific papers and participation in conferences. This position is suitable for individuals who desire to carry out exciting research in neuroscience and biomedical engineering.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible to carry out and drive forward assigned on-going research projects.
• Producing viral vectors and sequencing libraries.
• Apply problem solving skills based on an understanding of the research and experience, and progressively develop skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
• Identify and resolve problems involved in research assays.
• Perform a variety of biotechnological laboratory techniques using cell and molecular biology techniques (tissue culture; ultracentrifugation; virus production; DNA, RNA isolation; RT-PCR and westerns, sequencing library preparation, immunostaining).
• Follow and optimize procedures and protocols, and utilize appropriate techniques to develop, perform and analyze experiments, which may include making protocol modification with minimal supervision.
• Exercise independent judgment while planning experiments, evaluating/interpretating results, and organizing data.
• Demonstrate scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience.
• Develop and carryout new techniques for various studies ongoing in the lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possesses exceptional organizational skills.
• Possesses sound documentation skills.
• Reliably and reproducibly carry out complex experimental protocols.
• Will work on multiple priorities effectively.
• Can prioritize conflicting demands.
• Will execute assigned project tasks within established schedule.
• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Communicates effectively in speech and writing.
• Must maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
• Enthusiasm about and commitment to performing top-level research.
  

• Candidates should be motivated, highly organized, have good communication and time management skills, and work effectively in a team setting.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Four (4) years' experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Candidates with a Ph.D. or Master's degree are strongly encouraged to apply and/or 2-10 years of experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques, coupled with knowledge of biological sciences, molecular biology, or chemistry.
• Experience in coding languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC  
Starting Salary Range: $47,500 - $83,300 Annually ($65,400; Targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday through Friday 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM BME Biomedical Imaging Science  
Personnel area: School of Medicine