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As part of a team, we are seeking a Sr. Research Specialist whose primary purpose is the operation of the SOM Microscope Facility as a core facility that provides both access to equipment and any client services related to the equipment. Our equipment includes the microscopes themselves, as well as preparatory equipment for microscope samples and software analysis tools and workstations. Services include training and supervising client users on equipment, as well as advising and troubleshooting experiments. Advanced technical knowledge and broad research experience are required to judge the best approaches for each client’s scientific goals in their project. Direct one-on-one communications with clients must glean relevant information and advise clients on choice of equipment and experimental strategies, whether providing the work as a service or training the client to use the equipment and software themselves to attain their scientific goals. Providing accurate quotes for project costs is expected, as are accurate billing practices. Ability to maintain, adjust and troubleshoot specialized equipment is critical for completing client projects, whether by staff or by clients themselves.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Temporarily covering duties of other team members may be required for the team to provide Facility services.

• Helping users with specimen preparation, equipment troubleshooting, and scientific interpretation may be needed. Regular duties include maintaining, adjusting and operating Facility equipment, maintaining relevant supplies and maintaining usability of work areas. Secondary duties will include accurate billing of services provided, collecting and maintaining a library of protocols, manuals and tutorials for users.

• Timely record-keeping (electronic & written).

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

For fluorescence/confocal and electron microscopy, including specimen prep for almost all microscope modalities

• Advise clients on appropriateness of experimental techniques for scientific goals.

• Prepare specimens as requested by client users; consult/confirm anatomical structures with client users during the progress of projects.

• Collect images from appropriate microscopes, processing images as requested.

• Instruct/advise inexperienced investigators on relevant equipment and techniques to achieve both generic and specialized scientific goals.

• Expert on multiple advanced microscope modalities.

Shared responsibility image processing and software analysis

• Advise clients on appropriateness of software tools for scientific goals.

Shared responsibility for all (>15) microscopes and their support equipment

• Maintain microscopes and computers, troubleshooting or calling service as needed.

• Secondary contact for service calls on most equipment when they malfunction; duties as primary contact will be assigned based on candidate’s experiences and needs of the team.

• Maintain supplies/consumables at microscope stations, including liquid nitrogen supplies.

• Maintain/adjust support equipment, including air compressors, and dehumidifiers.

Shared responsibility for assisting users on these microscopes

• Directly assist or train/certify users on equipment; schedule training/certifying sessions; prepare and supply written training materials.

• Learn new techniques as required (e.g. attend training seminars, read manuals, contact vendor).

• Troubleshoot specimen, equipment and/or computer problems.

• Be available to assist users or potential customers as needed via phone or in person.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.

• Four year's experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques.

• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Specialist

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC

Starting Salary Range: $47,500 - $83,300 Annually ($62,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience)

Employee group: Full Time

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

Exempt Status: Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: SOM Cell Bio Cell Biology

Personnel area: School of Medicine

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The university promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.