The Division of Gastroenterology is seeking a Research Specialist. The lab is focused on developing new prognostic biomarkers for liver cancer as part of ongoing NIH-funded projects related to liver cancer. Our research combines molecular, genetic, and clinical data analysis to develop new prognostic tests that improve therapeutic options for patients with liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lab has a specific focus on liquid biopsy which includes isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with subsequent downstream analysis using rt-PCR, single-molecule RNA FISH and multiplex immunofluorescent assay. The work will involve handling patient samples. Our work has a highly translational component correlated to clinical outcomes in patients with HCC undergoing treatments, including liver transplantation and immunotherapy.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• We are seeking a Research Specialist to participate in planning studies and evaluate/interpret test results utilizing knowledge of research laboratory procedures and practices.
• Independently works on projects and collaborate with other team members.
• Interact with undergraduate students and medical trainees also involved in the project.

Specific lab experiments and experience will involve

• Use of imaging equipment including confocal microscope.
• Use of new equipment related to rare cell capturing.
• Flow cytometry cell analysis and sorting.
• Patient sample processing including DNA extraction and qPCR.
• Digital image analysis - annotating and computational analysis using a high-end software platform.
• Independent troubleshooting of technical and experimental issues.
• Selects, develops, performs and evaluates research methods; operates appropriate equipment.
• Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, relational databases, World Wide Web, statistical packages, Adobe Photoshop and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.
• Is an integrated member of the research team.
• May be involved in establishing laboratory protocols. Will be asked to prepare reports on the analysis.
• Engages in regular and continuous decision making having an impact on the success of the laboratory.
  

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Proficiency in the use of standard software applications, databases, spreadsheets and word processing.
  

• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Adhere to guidelines regarding honest reporting of sensitive and confidential research.
  
• Understand the importance/impact of data integrity in terms of patient information, study results, costs, quality of service and scientific research in general.
• Maintains regular contact with researchers and collaborators.
• Good judgment, tact and sensitivity.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
  

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: Min $16.92 - Max $29.61 HRLY ($48,400 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F 8:30-5pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM DOM Gastroenterology
Personnel area: School of Medicine

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. 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.

**Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

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Accommodation Information

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The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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