Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004160)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to develop measurement infrastructure for biomanufacturing in collaboration with university partners. The role involves innovative research in living-cell reference materials and automation of biological assays.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in a related field, possess experience with mammalian cell cultures, and have programming expertise in laboratory automation systems.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in relevant fields.
• Experience with mammalian cell cultures, especially iPSCs.
• Strong skills in programming large automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in manufacturing systems.
• Translate designs into automated programs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Mammalian cell cultures

Laboratory automation programming

Interdisciplinary research

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or related field

Job description

PREP Research Associate – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

This position is part of NIST’s Professional Research Experience (PREP) program, a collaborative partnership between NIST laboratories and U.S. academic institutions. The selected candidate will work in the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) developing measurement infrastructure for a biomanufacturing research program in collaboration with university partners.

Research Title

Laboratory Automation for Cell-Based Assays (U.S. Citizens preferred)

Work Scope

The role will contribute to the development of advanced measurement infrastructure for biomanufacturing and the automation of biological assays, supporting distribution manufacturing concepts in biofoundry networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in transferable manufacturing systems for living‑cell reference materials.
• Translate experimental designs into automated laboratory instrumentation programs.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the institute.
• Write and publish manuscripts for peer‑reviewed and open‑science outlets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
• Experience working with mammalian cell cultures, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Experience programming large laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers, automated microscopes) for cellular measurements.
• A track record of interdisciplinary research within automated laboratory frameworks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and willingness to travel occasionally for collaborations.
• Presentation experience at national conferences and institutional meetings.

EEO Statement
Employment is open to qualified candidates regardless of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The federal government is an equal opportunity employer.