Sr. Research Specialist
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD, USA
USD 48k-84,100 / year
Posted on Jun 3, 2025
The Ludington Lab in the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Sr. Research Specialist. The main duties of this position are to design and carry out laboratory experiments, analyze the data, work independently and effectively while managing and prioritizing multiple projects. This position requires a thorough understanding and vigilant implementation of the scientific method, which will be required to accomplish research goals.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Investigate complex interactions between the microbiome and host, including mechanisms of colonization and impact on host biology.
- Derive germ-free flies and inoculate them with specific bacteria (which makes them gnotobiotic).
- Specialization in confocal microscopy with the goal of visualizing bacterial colonization of the fly gut or models of the gut. Techniques include live imaging of flies, histological staining, immunofluorescence, use of transgenic bacteria and flies with fluorescent markers.
- Analyze microscopy data using specialized image analysis software including Imaris and ImageJ. Write custom software where needed.
- Analyze colonization of the fly gut using high throughput inoculation and culture experiments to quantify bacterial load.
- Develop custom hardware, working with building maintenance staff to fabricate equipment as needed.
- Initiate independent projects to achieve lab research objectives. Formulate hypotheses and propose experiments to test them.
- Design experiments, collect data, analyze results using appropriate statistical methods, make figures and collaboratively write results with PI.
- Write manuscripts for publication collaboratively with contributing authors and the PI.
- Attend and participate in weekly lab meetings and one-on-one meetings.
- Present research at academic meetings and conferences. Generate presentations, posters, and visual assets to communicate research findings.
- Stay current on relevant primary literature in the microbiome field. Perform literature searches to find necessary information for projects, e.g. recipes and protocols.
- Train graduate students in specialized techniques and procedures.
- Basic microbiology culture, including freeze cells, pull cells from -80C freezer stocks, culture cells on agar or liquid media, measure OD, plate to count CFUs, perform dilution series. Prepare and send strains to collaborators.
- Fly breeding, sort virgin females, perform defined crosses, genotype flies.
- Fly phenotyping, such as lifespan, fecundity, development time, automated behavior assays, dissecting gut tissues and preparing them for downstream analyses including fixing and staining for microscopy.
- Perform basic molecular biology experiments including molecular cloning, PCR, making competent cells, bacterial transformation, DNA miniprep, DNA plasmid prep, restriction enzyme digest, running and analyzing agarose gel data to determine results.
- Maintain and monitor shared resources, i.e. lab stocks such as plasmids, antibodies, and chemicals.
- Work efficiently and cooperatively with other researchers in support of lab goals and projects. Organize and lead team projects.
- Maintain lab equipment as assigned.
- Maintain the cleanliness of common lab space.
- Maintain precise records of work.
- Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with notice.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and practice of basic laboratory biology techniques, and ability to learn, adapt, and carry out established written protocols independently.
- Strong organizational and computer skills, meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise as needed to achieve lab goals.
- Ability to work independently and effectively.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
- Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five or more years of research experience after bachelor’s Degree.
- Master’s Degree in Biology or a related field such as Chemistry or Physics.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC
Starting Salary Range: $48,000 - $84,100 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Homewood Campus
Department name: Biology
Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences