Career Center

The Center for Immunization Research (CIR), Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, has been evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines for more than two decades. The CIR is seeking a Research Specialist position for a self-motivated professional focused on research in support of development of vaccines. This includes characterizing viral shedding and immune responses to respiratory and other viruses and performing assays for enteric pathogens. 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform and analyze assays accurately according to the Standard Operating Procedures to include, but not limited to: plaque reduction neutralization, neutralizing antibody, virus titration, ELISA, HAI and PCR.
• Willingness to do some processing of samples including blood, swabs, and stool on clinical units as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of assays. Enter and verify study specific data.
• Maintain cell cultures (example: Vero, HEp-2), Viral culture / titers (including immunostaining).
• Willingness to learn and assist in the development of new assays.
• Must be willing to work independently and as a member of a team in the design, set up, and performance of virologic and immunologic vaccine trials.
• Receive, log, ship, and store vaccines and specimens. Transfer and ship specimens per DOT/IATA specifications. Maintains site shipping and storage logs of all specimens, including use of specified electronic system.
• 24-hour accountability for specimens and vaccine, to include nights and weekend freezer alarm notification system. Willingness to come in to the lab during unscheduled hours in the event of alarms requiring transfer of specimens and/or vaccine.
• Maintain and organize specimen repository.
• Maintain freezer/refrigerator/incubator temperature logs.
• Identifies, troubleshoots and solves problems with immunoassays
• Monitor inventory of laboratory supplies, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice, and places orders as needed
• Maintains and troubleshoots laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrates organization, problem solving, resourcefulness and flexibility.
• Discusses laboratory results with Principal Investigator, NIH scientists, and site investigators as needed
• Perform reasonable job duties, even if not part of the job description, as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
• Keep and maintain detailed records of assays along with laboratory notebook
• Maintain effective professional communication with principal investigator and clinical and laboratory study teams, to assist in prioritizing laboratory assays for vaccine trials.
• Attend weekly team and laboratory meetings
• Holds self-accountable for professional, responsible conduct. 
• Demonstrates excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Detail oriented, well-organized, self-motivated, superior time management skills.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• Bachelor's Degree in bBology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year 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.*

* 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. 

** 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. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Background in virology or immunology preferred.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to handle large volumes and handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Must be comfortable using Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with databases (FreezerPro preferable), accurate data entry, and report generation.
• Requires the ability to flex schedule at the supervisor's request to work some evenings or weekends as required by study needs, however most work will be accomplished during normal lab hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 lbs., such as specimens packed in dry ice.
• Will require foot travel within the JHMI campus, particularly between the clinic units and the laboratory on Wolfe Street.
• Duties may require standing, walking, or sitting for an extended period of time.
• Requires dexterity to manipulate objects, such as pipetting and other laboratory duties. ​

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: $16.62 - $22.83/hr (commensurate with experience)  
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F 7.5hrs = 37.5 hrs/wk 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Public Health  
Department name: ​​​​​​​Ctr for Immnztn Rsch Vaccine Scis CIR 
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

Accommodation Information

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 Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

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.

Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.