Job Description

The Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Technologist who will work under the general supervision of the faculty investigator within the department of Biological Chemistry. The employee will be responsible for independently performing routine procedures and protocols in a research laboratory and contribute to the general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment and supplies.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities


Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, pH meter, analytical balance, spectrophotometer, light microscope, and/or biosafety cabinets; perform standard procedures for standard laboratory assays; perform aseptic technique effectively.
Performs standard genetic, microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemical techniques such as PCR, cloning, cell culture, growth assays, western blots as well as perform quantitative analyses and other functional assays directly related to the research project.
Collect and record data according to established protocols and maintain accurate up-to-date records.
The employee will be expected to acquire a level of knowledge to properly execute experiments and analyze results.
Responsible for laboratory equipment maintenance; preparing solutions, reagents and media following defined laboratory protocols; inventory supplies on a weekly basis, order materials and supplies as necessary in accordance with established procedures; stock supplies upon receipt.
Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain complete and up-to-date strain, reagent and chemical lists.
Exchange data and other information in an appropriate manner, requiring good oral and written communication skills.
Promote a collaborative, cooperative work environment.
Comply with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace and complete annual university biohazard safety training, as appropriate.
Identify and report problems in completing routine lab procedures.
This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.


Physical Work Conditions

The work environment may include areas of unpleasant extremes of cold or heat and biohazardous conditions such as the risk of fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals and/or safety level 2 biological agents and/or reagents which mandate attention to safety considerations.
Performing the duties outline for this position requires precise measures of quantity and quality; near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.
Able to move about and sit in a seated position for extended periods of time.
Occasionally lifting and/or carrying objects weighing 10 lbs or less and occasionally pushing and/or, pulling objects weighing 30 lbs or less.
Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hands; finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard, pipette, pipette aid, opening/closing small snap-cap and screw-cap tubes.


Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
Must have a working knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines achieved through undergraduate studies and laboratory experience gained through class work and/or previous work experience: biology, biochemistry, microbiology and/or genetics.


Preferred Qualifications
Some related post-undergraduate work experience.
Comparable laboratory experience may be substituted for education.