The Johns Hopkins University Neuroscience Department is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist II.   The Research Specialist II will have interest work on understanding nervous system wiring and function. This individual will participate in the development and testing of genetic models for visual system development and function, using the mouse as an experimental organism. They will be working on a team that includes other technicians, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and will make significant and important contributions to various aspects of our research efforts.

This may include working with neuronal primary cell cultures, mouse husbandry, genotyping and crossing various mouse lines, gene expression measurements using qPCR, and immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of neural development and how defects in this process prevent repair if the nervous system following injury or degenerative disease. We use a very wide spectrum of techniques (molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, mouse genetics, histology, in vitro/in vivo imaging, omics studies) to study sensory systems and how they contribute to behavior. The successful candidate will receive appropriate training in these areas of experimentation.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Make scientific contribution to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with Principal Investigator (PI). Maintain detailed working knowledge of all assigned protocols.
• Collaborate with lab members in development and implementation of new techniques
• Assistance with the maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of lab research goals and objectives.
• Analyze data and process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Assist with the development and administration of laboratory budget.
• Contribute toward the efficient utilization of resources, equipment and space.
• Manage inventory, monitor supply levels, order equipment and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, and initiate the process for equipment repair when needed.
• Teach/train students, and new technicians in the lab. Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on day-to-day problems.
• Perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years 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.

• Prior experience with using the mouse as an experimental model, biochemical techniques, histological techniques, molecular techniques and a basic familiarity with light-level imaging.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB  
Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 37.5 hours per week 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: SOM Neuro Sci Neuroscience  
Personnel area: School of Medicine