The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a Research Specialist to work under the supervision of a faculty investigator and will be responsible for independently performing a range of analyses and tests on human fluids and/or tissue or cultured cell lines. In addition, this role will involve consulting, coordinating and initiating clinical trial support through a busy core facility. Work requires basic and advanced knowledge of clinical trials, consent and IRB regulations, use of scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience. Uses understanding of clinical trial processes and applies skills to implement assigned projects and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows established standard operating procedures or protocols and utilizes appropriate technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, which may include: tissue culture, cell separation methods, clinical trial support assays, basic and advanced molecular and cellular biology, or other specialized biological and clinical science techniques. Will be expected to function in an independent manner and participate in establishing new techniques/assays in the lab.
• Responsible for clinical trial service support consult, quotation, coordination and implementation to meet the centers CAP accreditation requirements.
• Responsible for troubleshooting experiments and will be encouraged to consult various resources for optimization.
• Function as the Quality Assurance Team Lead: Maintenance log tracking, sterility testing, equipment maintenance agreement upkeep, bioprocessing billing standardization monitor, quarterly success reporting, quarterly function checks, Mylearning local training assignment representative, monitor staff training and compliance and monitoring CAP regulation changes and compliance for the center.
• Perform regular blood isolations and quality tracking.
• Analyzing Quality Monitors and prepare reporting documents.
• Design and perform clinical protocol preparation sheets and processing.
• Perform various clinical support techniques, from sera/ plasma and blood isolations, fibroblast establishment and lymphocytic cell line establishment.
• Assist in general maintenance of the laboratory and associated document tracking to support CAP quality assurance.
• Will assist in the preparation of any manuscripts resulting from work in the lab.
• Will cross-train in other divisions and perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of molecular biology, blood processing, and cell biology.
• Requires the ability to safely operate scientific laboratory equipment.
• The job requires superior organizational skills for time and data management.
• Ability to function well in a team production setting is necessary.

Machines/Equipment Used

• Tissue culture hood, common laboratory equipment, and PC computers.
  

Any specific physical requirements for the job

• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction; Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters; lift, carry, move supplies, computers, glassware, etc.
• Ability to move about workspace.

• 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 forexperience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred qualifications

• Clinical Trial Experience

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $16.92 - $29.61 HRLY ($48,400 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF
Personnel area: School of Medicine