Career Center

The department of Urology - Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute is seeking a Research Specialist.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Proficient research and/or clinical laboratory specialist with a firm understanding of techniques and a solid foundation in the underlying science, gained from professional experience.
• Under minimal supervision, performs clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following established procedures and protocols.
• Participates in the design of experiments and analyzes data. Works independently and manages daily research projects.
• Assist the principal investigator in the development and coordination of projects, experimentation, data collection/maintenance, and the organization of the laboratory.
• Assist in the day-to-day logistical and operational tasks of multiple research studies within the Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute.
• Coordinate start-up activities, completing the informed consent of patients in JHH Urology clinic and Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute to approved study protocols. Consenting could be in-person or via telephone.
• Collecting, processing, and storing patient biospecimens through standardized procedures, and assisting with data collection and clarification, and general administrative duties.
• Prepares samples for nucleic acid extraction, sequencing, and histological testing. Identifies and resolves problems and uses analytical and decision-making skills to implement assigned projects.
• Will be responsible for carrying out research in accordance with good clinical practices, research protocols, strict SOPs, and following all IRB protocols and HIPPA guidelines. Collects patient tissue specimens and stores accordingly.
• Coordinate with members of Urology as well as the Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute to create databases to collect clinical data on multiple different types of bladder cancer.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Following standard operating procedures, capable of independently performing.
• Communication skills including but not limited to over the phone or virtual.
• Phlebotomy training is not required, but prior experience/training is a plus.
• Proficient in the use of EPIC, Microsoft Office and RedCap.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Processing of blood, urine and other biospecimens.
• Isolation of nucleic acids from fresh/frozen tissue and FFPE samples.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of nucleic acids.
• Use of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to, metric balance, water baths, centrifuge, computers, printers, microwave, microtome, cryostat, embedding station etc.
• Preventative maintenance on equipment as specified.
• Computer competency with typing of at least 30 WPM.
• Requires critical thinking and analytical skills to troubleshoot complex tasks.
• Critical review of literature for design and analysis of research projects.
• Be able to document and record experimental procedures and results.
• Capable of troubleshooting protocols. Requires advanced knowledge of theory and concept of IRB protocols for human subject's research.
• Requires exceptional communication skills to provide an explanation of research protocols to obtain informed consent from patients for recruitment.
• Collection and organizational banking of human tissue samples.
• This is close precision work requiring attention to detail.
• Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret directions, both oral and written. Organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Can work successfully individually or as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.
• Visual acuity and the ability to distinguish fine gradation of colors, including differentiating of red and green.
• Manual dexterity in both hands, with above average eye and hand coordination.
• Able to grasp and manipulate small instruments and delicate equipment.

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications

• Phlebotomy, PC related software, printers, copiers and scanners.

Physical Requirements

• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus (specify)).
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes).
• In some areas, workspace is limited.
• Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed.
• Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas.
• Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area.
• Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, radiation protocols, and histology.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 75% of the time.
• Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus.
• The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory workstations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, 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.

• Knowledge of good lab practices.

Classified Title: Research Specialist  
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: $16.61-$22.83-$29.04 HRLY (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M - 5:00 P.M 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Uro Greenberg Bladder Cancer Inst  
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:

JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. 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.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

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.

About Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University remains committed to its founding principle, that education for all students should be grounded in exploration and discovery. Hopkins students are challenged not just to learn but also to advance learning itself. Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship are all encouraged and nourished in this unique educational environment. After more than 130 years, Johns Hopkins remains a world leader in both teaching and research. Faculty members and their research colleagues at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory have each year since 1979 won Johns Hopkins more federal research and development funding than any other university. The university has nine academic divisions and campuses throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Education and the Carey Business School are based at the Homewood campus in northern Baltimore. The schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing share a campus in east Baltimore with The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Peabody Institute, a leading professional school of music, is located on Mount Vernon Place in downtown Bal...timore. The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies is located in Washington's Dupont Circle area.

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