Research Technologist - 116919

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in psychiatric research is seeking a Research Technologist to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will support postdoctoral researchers in exploring the intricate mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. You'll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge molecular neurobiology and neuropsychopharmacology while managing laboratory operations and conducting experiments. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that aims to identify new therapeutic targets and biological markers for early intervention. If you're passionate about science and eager to make a difference, this role could be your next big step.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Career Development Opportunities

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required.
• Experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments under supervision.
• Manage mouse colonies and perform genotyping.
• Conduct behavioral experiments and analyze data.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Neuroscience

Laboratory Techniques

Genotyping

PCR

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry

Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Tools

Centrifuge

Spectrophotometer

Light Microscope

pH Meter

Job description

The Department of Psychiatry is searching for a Research Technologist. The goal of our research is to understand the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms underlying etiopathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. In particular, we investigate how genetic risk factors and environmental factors, such as adolescent cannabis use and psychosocial stress, affect stress-related biological signaling mechanisms, including immune and inflammatory processes, leading to impairment of brain development and brain function that regulates cognitive and mood-related behaviors. Our research will also aim to identify new therapeutic targets and biological markers for early intervention of these devastating conditions.

After entry-level training under the general supervision of a faculty investigator, the Research Technologist is responsible for supporting postdoctoral researchers to conduct experiments, independently performing routine tests in a pre-clinical research laboratory, and contributing to general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies. This position also provides opportunities to learn cutting-edge skills and concepts in molecular neurobiology, neuropsychopharmacology, and neurobehavioral science.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments under supervision.
• Responsible for mouse colony management, genotyping, and PCR.
• Utilize in vivo models in experiments. Following experimental protocols and in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines, monitor animals and maintain health records. Sacrifice and dissect animal remains as required. Support the researchers to conduct behavioral experiments and analyze the data. Prepare tissue for study utilizing histochemical techniques.
• Follow established procedures or protocols and utilize aseptic technique to perform laboratory experiments which may include basic tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, assays, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, scintillation counter, spectrophotometer, light microscope, and/or utilizes laminar flow hood.
• Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain accurate data records.
• Assist with seminar preparations and other laboratory responsibilities.
• Following established policies and procedures, monitor inventory levels, order materials and supplies, and count orders upon receipt.
• Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating and alignment.
• Use sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
• Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Must have a working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies and laboratory experience gained through coursework: neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physics, virology, microbiology, and/or genetics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Physics or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some related post-undergraduate work experience is preferred.
• Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities or summer employment is desirable.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($37,700 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F 8:30am-5pm
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Psy Molecular Psychiatry Program
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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 coursework 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.

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 [e-mail]. 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/.