General Summary/Purpose
This position main responsibility is to performing sequencing experiments to support epigenetics studies in the Center for Epigenetics using state of the art next generation sequencing platforms. This position will be responsible for executing technical protocols both manually and using automated liquid handling systems. This position must be able to design and execute experiments with independence using knowledge of molecular biology techniques to proactively troubleshoot experiments, resolve technical issues and challenges, and to perform data interpretation. Maintain instruments, contribute to maintaining lab supplies stock and monitor lab freezers. Implement and monitor quality control procedures and consistency across experiments. The position will work with investigators and collaborators to design scientific experiment. Strong attention to detail, time management, initiation, and organization skills are critical.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Research and Development:
Utilize scientific knowledge and experience to conceptualize, design, and advise on research projects with the Division of Molecular Medicine as well as collaborators from other Departments.
Perform and troubleshoot genomic assays independently.
Responsible for co-authorship of manuscripts, and readings of most grants and manuscripts.
Design and oversee multiple extensive databases that integrate clinical, biological and molecular data from the laboratory and from collaborators.
Meet with investigators to help plan experiments from standpoint of correct scientific design.
Keep up to date with new developments in the NGS and single cell genomics space and import and implement new assays as appropriate. Laboratory Operations:
Construction of various types of NGS libraries, including WGBS, target capture bisulfite sequencing, bulk RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and other genomic assays.
Perform DNA/RNA extractions and sample quality control.
Perform NGS library quantification via qPCR and loading onto Illumina flow cells for cBot clustering.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain Illumina HiSeq4000, and MiSeq systems and monitor and review run QC data.
Run single cell assays including single cell methyl-seq, single cell RNA-seq and single cell ATAC-seq as needed.
DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing on Oxford Nanopore sequencer.
Operate laboratory equipment such as Illumina HiSeq4000, Illumina MiSeq, Covaris S2 and LE220 Focused-ultrasonicator systems, Agilent Bravo automated high-throughput liquid-handling system, Beckman Coulter Biomek NXP automated liquid handling system, Pyromark Q48 Autoprep pyrosequencer, Agilent Bioanalyzer, Agilent 2200 TapeStation, Bio-Rad CFX 384 Real-Time PCR system, NanoDrop 2000, Nano Drop 8000, Qubit, and fluorescence microplate readers.
Maintain accurate documentation, data records, and electronic laboratory notebook.
Follows established molecular biology procedures and protocols accurately and follow best practices guidelines for experiments.
Receiving and unpacking of reagent and supply orders for the laboratory
Monitor freezers and temperature monitoring system in the East Baltimore and Homewood laboratory facilities. Be available after hours and on weekends to respond to freezer emergencies if needed and ensure the protection of invaluable samples and assets. Contribute to updates and implementation of freezer emergency plans and procedures.
Manage samples, update freezer sample inventory and track samples throughout the freezers
Interface with co-investigator and collaborators in providing laboratory data
Maintain chemical reagent inventory
Contribute to the general maintenance and cleaning of the laboratory, equipment and supplies.
Contribute to keeping the laboratory space compliant with safety regulations and help prepare for annual health and safety inspections . Teaching and Training:
Teaching of laboratory methods as needed to students, postdoctoral fellows and staff in various molecular biology methods and laboratory instruments.
Customer Service and Teamwork Expectations:
Displays professionalism in person and on the telephone with coworkers, patients, visitors, and supervisors.
Utilizes proper telephone etiquette.
Functions as a team player and works to maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers, peers and supervisors.
Recognizes where coworkers need assistance and takes initiative to help.
Scope of Responsibility:
Know the formal and informal divisional goals, standards, policies and procedures that may include some familiarity of other departments within the school/division.
Is sensitive to the interrelationship of both people and functions within the department.
Know the role of the position and its potential impact on the working unit.
Decision Making:
Carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision.
When making decisions will consider the resources available and current priorities.
Communication:
Exchanges routine information using tact and persuasion as appropriate requiring good oral and written communication and presentation skills.
Regular interaction with the Division Director and other Faculty members who are part of the Center for Epigenetics, Sr. Administrative Manager, Program Coordinator, Postdoctoral Fellows, Students, and all other lab personnel.
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Science or related subjects, and 2 years of laboratory experience, preferably in a high throughput service center laboratory.
Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
JHU Equivalency Formula : 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. 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. *
Preferred Qualifications
5 years' experience preferred
Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Science or related subjects. Two years' of laboratory experience, preferably in a high throughput service center laboratory preferred.
Strong attention to details is critical.
Demonstrates ability for self-direction and initiation, as well as ability to work independently and as part of a team, to address problems/tasks.
Ability to quickly master new laboratory techniques and procedures and tolerance for repetitive tasks.
Must be organized and able to appropriately prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Microsoft applications
Specialized molecular apparatus software
Large database management
Physical Requirements:
Work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality.
Work environment may include areas of unpleasant extremes of cold or heat.
Biohazardous conditions such as the risk of radiation exposure, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals may be present in this work environment which mandate attention to safety considerations.
Near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.
Sharp focus to adjust vision when doing close work that changes in distance from eyes.
Full spectrum vision to identify and distinguish color.
Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands, but without finger dexterity.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
Communication skills using the spoken word.
Occasionally lifting, carrying objects weighing 10lbs. or less.
Occasionally pushing, pulling objects weighing 30lbs. or less.
Ability to move about.
Classified Title: Research Specialist II
Working Title: Research Specialist II
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $38,920 - $53,520; commensurate with experience
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm/ Up to 37.5 hrs/ week
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: 04-MD: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: 10002814-SOM DOM Molecular Medicine
Personnel area: School of Medicine
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at [email protected] . For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.
The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.
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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