Research Technologist (Ophthalmology)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University seeks a Research Technologist to perform lab tasks and routine assays in Retinal Regenerative Medicine. The role focuses on maintaining human pluripotent stem cells and differentiating them into retinal neurons and glial cells, using CRISPR-based models of retinal disease.

You will also engage in molecular biology work including cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis, under supervision at the SOM Oph Ocular Molecular Biology department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology is desirable.
• Familiarity with basic molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, gels, and Western blotting.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols independently or with instructions.
• Maintain human pluripotent stem cells and differentiate them into retinal cell types (RGCs, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia).
• Conduct molecular biology tasks: DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting.
• Assist in animal handling and tissue processing under supervision.
• Train others in standard lab techniques and equipment operation.
• Collect and test project data; monitor inventory and maintain equipment.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Molecular cloning

PCR

qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Western blotting

DNA/RNA extraction

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field

Job description

We are seeking a Research Technologist who will perform laboratory tasks and completes routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures. We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual with an interest in biomedical research to work in the field of Retinal Regenerative Medicine. We use stem cell biology to study human neuronal and glial cells. We use CRISPR genome editing to develop models of 1) human retinal diseases, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, 2) demyelinating diseases (such as multiple sclerosis where myelin sheath on the CNS neurons is lost), 3) Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), with a focus on the genetic mutations in NF1 gene that cause dysfunction of glial cells such as astroglia, oligodendrocytes and microglia. We also use mouse model of neurodegenerative diseases for drug testing.

This work will involve a considerable amount of cell culture and molecular biology work. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel and will be responsible for maintaining human pluripotent stem cells, as well as differentiating them into human retinal ganglion cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia. They will also assist in various molecular biology work that include molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western Blotting etc. While the majority of the work is related to cell culture and molecular biology, some animal handling and tissue processing will also be required, which they will need to perform under the supervision of the principal investigator or a senior scientist.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols independently or with instructions.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques and methods of the lab.
• Gain problem-solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.
• Run lab tests and complete measurements.
• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine assays.
• Increase skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures.
• Set-up experiments based on defined standards.
• Collect project data.
• Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitor inventory of supplies, clean equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some relevant post-undergraduate work experience in the field of cellular and molecular biology is desirable.
• Experience with cell culture work, ideally with human stem cell culture, is desirable.
• Prior experience handling and working with animal models is a plus.

Classified Title: Research Technologist

Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC

Starting Salary Range: $16.10 - $26.90 HRLY ($49,140 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: SOM Oph Ocular Molecular Biology

Personnel area: School of Medicine