New

Sr. Research Specialist

Johns Hopkins University
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
May 17, 2025
The Johns Hopkins Kreiger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) is seeking a full-time *Sr. Research Specialist* within the Mind Brain Institute who will primarily be responsible for lab management and conducting experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. Experiments will primarily study the neurophysiology of the hippocampus and associated brain areas in rodents. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Scientific Research Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the laboratory and providing guidance and direction to the effectiveness and efficiency of the labs. Conduct independent research using neurophysiological and optogenetic techniques to study brain function, with a focus on the hippocampus and its associated structures. Perform surgical implantation of microelectrode arrays and silicon probes for long-term neurophysiological recording in freely-behaving rats. Exercise independent judgment while planning experiments, evaluating/interpreting results, and organizing data. Develop and implement new data collection and analysis techniques for various ongoing studies in the lab. Communicate with colleagues in the field as necessary for specific guidance on new techniques. Perform routine and complex research, including recording with silicon probes, executing virtual reality experiments with custom-made apparatus for rodents, and using other techniques such as manipulation of brain circuitry through optogenetics. Independently process and analyze data, formulate conclusions, and create appropriate statistical presentations, including graphs and charts, for research/laboratory results, grant reports, scientific presentations, and manuscripts. Write drafts or final reports for grant agencies and journal publications. Attend and present data in lab meetings. Monitor scientific literature for advances or problems in techniques, equipment, and drugs relevant to the lab's project. Lab Management Train all lab members in all standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab functions. Oversee undergraduate students to ensure that research is conducted consistently in accordance with animal protocols and with adequate supervision. Communicate with veterinary staff to ensure that experimental procedures to achieve research goals are consistent with animal health and safety. If necessary, refine techniques in consultation with veterinary staff. Ensure that animal care and use protocols are accurate and up to date, including the addition of new personnel. Ensure that all safety protocols are followed and update safety procedures as needed; schedule safety training for the team; act as point of contact for safety inspections. Receive and unpack packages to ensure accuracy and efficiency for experiments. Coordinate proper disposal of chemicals, including drugs, and biological waste, ensuring that all protocols are followed. Organize and maintain lab inventory. Maintain and oversee a high standard of organization in the lab to ensure the success of projects and experiments, including maintaining service calls, contracts, and required forms. Order supplies and materials for a very active research group, including negotiating with vendors, coordinating with departmental staff to make sure orders are placed, and following up on orders. Track the lab's budget across multiple grants and ensure that spending is in line with budget projections for salaries, stipends, research supplies, etc. Charge items appropriately to budgets and comply with the granting agency's guidelines. Provide recommendations for hiring new lab staff and provide input on staff performance reviews. Maintain surgical suite. Keep accurate lab records for experiments, animal usage, and drug inventories. Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Fine motor skills to prepare and surgically implant fragile recording devices are required. Ability to exercise professional judgment. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Ability to multitask while being meticulously detail-oriented. Knowledge of related technology, instruments, and equipment in biology is desired but not required. Experience in animal surgical techniques (sterilization, anesthesia, drug delivery) and veterinary care is desired. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field. Four years experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques. Preferred Qualifications Experience in data analysis and knowledge of statistics is desirable. Knowledge of Python or Matlab desirable. Experience working in higher education. Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC Starting Salary Range: $48,000 - $66,000 - $84,100 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday - Friday. Hours vary FLSA Status:Exempt Location:Homewood Campus Department name: Mind Brain Institute Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences Total Rewards The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. 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/. Education and Experience Equivalency 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 Completing Studies 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. Background Checks 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. Diversity and Inclusion 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. EEOis the Law https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.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 https://accessibility.jhu.edu/. Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. 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.This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. 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 upon 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.