The Johns Hopkins University department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Research Specialist II who will primarily be responsible for performing cell culture, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Our lab seeks to understand the cellular, molecular, and immunological mechanisms underlying epithelial innate immunity and upper airway inflammation, as well as olfactory loss, with specific areas of focus on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Several ongoing projects investigate epithelium-immune system crosstalk in human tissue and mouse models. Other duties include executing experiments, maintaining and analyzing data, and inventory management.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently performs routine research testing and contributing to the general maintenance of the lab, supplies and equipment.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques/methods of the lab.
• Perform laboratory experiments by following common protocols or with instruction.
• Independently perform all assays following established procedures and protocols, including epithelial cell culture, mouse genotyping, RNA extraction, real-time PCR, tissue processing of human and mouse samples for flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
• Must operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, PCR thermocycler, light microscope, and laminar flow hood, as well as have familiarity with operation of flow cytometer and confocal microscope.
• Operates lab computers for data entry and extraction.
• Administer treatments, sacrifice and dissect animal remains as required.
• Prepares tissue for study utilizing histochemical, immunologic, and molecular biological techniques.
• Maintains accurate data records.
• Will utilize in vivo models in experiments following experimental protocols, monitors animals and maintains health records in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines.
• Complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation courses in the workplace.
• Completes annual University biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training as appropriate.
• Use sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
• Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels, orders material and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, counts orders upon receipt.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Knowledge of immunology and experience with immunologic techniques of flow cytometry and immunostaining.
• Experience working with mice.
• Familiar with cell culture.
• Works independently and as part of a team.

• Be self-motivated and organized.

• Possess excellent communication skills.

• 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.

• Be willing to make a 2-year commitment.
• Two years post undergraduate work experience.

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: Monday - Friday, *:30 - 5:00 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Oto Otolaryngology Research  
Personnel area: School of Medicine