Research Associate

Requisition #: A-145002-4

Status: Full Time

Type: Faculty

School: School of Medicine

Department/Program: Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology

Location City: Baltimore

Location State: MD

Location Zip Code: 21205

Closing Date: Open until filled

To apply: apply.interfolio.com/145002

General Description

Overview:

This is a research and management position, 50% in support of Witwer laboratory research and 50% as Core Facility Manager in support of the IBBS Extracellular Vesicle Characterization and Enrichment Lab (EXCEL). This role is pivotal in supporting and advancing research activities within the Witwer lab through the provision of expert knowledge and management of lab operations focused on the study of extracellular vesicles and viruses. The successful candidate will also be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the EXCEL core facility, ensuring delivery of high-quality services for cutting-edge research for clients across and beyond the university.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimentation on extracellular vesicles and viruses in support of Witwer laboratory research programs.
• Contribute to the writing of research papers, and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Teach and co-mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Lead and/or participate in efforts to secure intramural and extramural funding for lab and facility operations and research projects.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the EXCEL core facility, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of quality control in the separation and characterization of extracellular vesicles, viruses, and other nanoparticles.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use of specialized equipment, such as nanoparticle tracking analysis, nanoflow cytometry, single-particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensor, super-resolution microscopy, tangential flow filtration, and size exclusion chromatography.
• Provide expert consultation and technical support to researchers and external clients on the design and execution of experiments.
• Conduct and oversee the training of lab personnel and EXCEL facility users in the proper and safe use of lab equipment and advanced techniques for extracellular vesicle and virus research.
• Analyze and interpret data from complex experiments using advanced bioinformatics and machine learning tools
• Ensure proper data management and archiving.
• Develop and deliver lectures and workshops on advanced topics related to extracellular vesicle characterization.
• Stay abreast of and implement the latest technological advancements and methodologies.
• Manage facility budget, including forecasting, tracking expenses, and justifying new equipment purchases or upgrades.
• Promote collaborative research projects within the institution and with external partners.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (MD, DVM, PhD) and a strong focus on extracellular vesicles and/or virus research.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-degree experience or equivalent in a research or core facility environment, ideally with experience in the separation and characterization of extracellular vesicles and viruses.
• Technical instrumentation management experience.
• Familiarity with specialized software (GraphPad Prism, iLab)
• Formal computer science programming skills (e.g., R)
• Strong technical proficiency in nanoparticle characterization techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of research and/or service excellence, as evidenced by publications, presentations, or service awards in relevant fields.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising for scientific research or facility operations.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners, and lead teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

Application Instructions

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis 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 characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre-Employment Information

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

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 HR Business Services Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.