We are seeking a Research Specialist II to join the lab at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. This position will work in a lab focused on cancer immunology research investigating the tumor microenvironment and anti-tumor immune responses, including organoid and primary cell culture systems and in vivo preclinical tumor models. The specialist will contribute to immunotherapy and translational research studies within a collaborative and dynamic laboratory environment.

This position develops assays and protocols for PI approval and designs experimental approaches for laboratory projects. Performs a range of sophisticated assays. Makes significant contributions to various aspects of laboratory efforts and goals. Responsible for troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other laboratory personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct assigned laboratory projects.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, evaluate results, etc.
• Work independently and use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions.
• Teach/train learners, and new technicians in the laboratory.
• Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level laboratory members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.
• Make scientific contributions to protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
• Collaborate in the development of new techniques and instruments.
• Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.
• Scientifically contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and proposals.
• Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors.
• Maintain daily records of experiments.
• Organize and track laboratory samples.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field
• Two years of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques, including experimental techniques commonly used in cancer immunology research.
• 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

• Master's Degree with related graduate research.
• Mouse handling and tumor model work.
• Organoid and primary cell culture.
• RNA isolation and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• General cell biology assays.
• Immunostaining.
• Western blotting.
• FACS analysis.
• Proficiency in sterile technique and sample handling.
• GraphPad/Prism/Adobe.

Technical Skills & Expected Level Of Proficiency

• Assay Development and Validation - Developing
• Data Management and Analysis - Developing
• Experimental Design and Execution - Developing
• Operations Management - Developing
• Protocol Development and Optimization - Developing
• Scientific Writing - Developing
• Stakeholder Engagement - Developing

Classified Title: Research Specialist II

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB

Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.00pm

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Florida

Department name: All Childrens

Personnel area: School of Medicine