Research Specialist

The Center for Immunization Research (CIR), Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, has been evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of live attenuated respiratory virus vaccines for more than two decades. The CIR has a Research Specialistposition for a self-motivated professional focused on research characterizing viral detection and immune response to respiratory viruses and supporting the development of respiratory virus vaccines.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform assays accurately according to established procedures and protocols which may include, but are not limited to: plaque reduction neutralization, neutralizing antibody, virus titration, ELISA, and PCR.
• Keep and maintain detailed records of assays.
• Maintain cell cultures (example: Vero, HEp-2), and viral titers (including immunostaining).
• Receive, log, ship, and store vaccines and specimens. Transfer and ship specimens per DOT/IATA specifications.
• Maintains and organize specimen repository, including use of specified electronic system such as LDMS and FreezerPro.
• Maintain freezer/refrigerator/incubator temperature logs and troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment.
• Monitor inventory of laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies, such as liquid nitrogen, and dry ice
• Perform reasonable job duties, even if not part of the job description, as assigned by the supervisor.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must be able to handle and track many specimens and perform project tasks concurrently.
• Must be comfortable using Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with databases (FreezerPro, LDMS preferable), accurate data entry, and report generation.
• Ability to flex schedule at the supervisor's request to work some evenings or weekends as required by study needs, however most work will be accomplished during routine lab hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 lbs., such as specimens packed in dry ice.
• Will require foot travel within the JHMI campus, particularly between the clinic on Broadway Street and the laboratory on Wolfe Street.
• Duties may require standing, walking, or sitting for an extended period.
• Requires dexterity to manipulate objects, such as pipetting and other laboratory duties.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience with cell culture techniques.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: Min $16.92 - Max $29.61 HRLY ($47,490 budgeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Monday - Friday up to 27 hours
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Public Health
Department name: Ctr for Immnztn Rsch Vaccine Scis CIR
Personnel area: School of Public Health

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines:
JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

**Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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Accommodation Information

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 Talent AcquisitionOffice at .For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit .

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 and all other JHU applicants should visit.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending on campus.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.

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