The Global Enteric Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is seeking a Research Specialist ll.

The Research Specialist II develops assays and protocols for PI approval and designs experimental approaches for laboratory projects. Performs a range of sophisticated assays. Makes significant contributions to various aspects of laboratory efforts and goals. Responsible for troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other laboratory personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct assigned laboratory projects.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, evaluate results, etc.
• Work independently and use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions.
• Teach/train learners, and new technicians in the laboratory.
• Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level laboratory members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.
• Make scientific contributions to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Collaborate in the development of new techniques and instruments.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
• Scientifically contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and proposals.
• Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

• Work closely with an extensive network of experts, including laboratory scientists, bio informaticists, and external cholera specialists from institutions such as Johns Hopkins, the University of Virginia, Scripps Research, US CDC, and Africa CDC.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with biohazard safety regulations while handling infectious materials.
• Organize and track sample inventories and laboratory supplies, ensuring meticulous record-keeping.
• Assist with data analysis, statistical evaluations, and advanced molecular techniques (e.g., VNTR, whole genome sequencing).
• Contribute to manuscript and grant writing, including preparing figures and tables for publication.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Master’s Degree with lab experience.
• Two plus years relevant laboratory experience.
• Some related post-undergraduate work.
• Some familiarity with bioinformatic methods and/or basic programming skills would be beneficial but is not required.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Assay Development and Validation - Developing
• Data Management and Analysis - Developing
• Experimental Design and Execution - Developing
• Operations Management - Developing
• Protocol Development and Optimization - Developing
• Scientific Writing - Developing
• Stakeholder Engagement - Developing

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: School of Public Health
Department name: Global Disease Epidemiology and Control
Personnel area: School of Public Health