Research Specialist II

The Research Specialist II develops assays and protocols for PI approval and design experimental approaches for research projects. Perform a range of sophisticated assays. Make significant/important contributions to various aspects of research efforts. May include troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other lab personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for assigned daily research projects.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. reading controls, evaluate results.
• Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors.
• Use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions. Works independently.
• Teach/train students, and new technicians in the lab. Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab 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.
• May scientifically contribute to writing of manuscripts and grants. Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
• Perform and maintain mammalian cell culture experiments, ensuring proper sterile technique and documentation.
• Utilize light microscopy techniques to observe and analyze cellular samples.
• Demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for scientific discovery, actively contributing to a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a related field.

Technical Skills and Expected Level of Proficiency

• Analytical Skills - Developing
• Data Management and Analysis - Developing
• Literature Reviews - Developing
• Oral and Written Communication - Developing
• Project Coordination - Developing
• Regulatory Compliance - Developing
• Research Data Quality Assurance - Developing
• Research Design - Developing
• Research Technical Proficiency - Developing
• Resource Management - Developing

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Specialist II

Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB

Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually ($55,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday thru Friday

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: SOM Ane PICU

Personnel area: School of Medicine

Total Rewards

The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:

Education and Experience Equivalency

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 Completing Studies

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.

Background Checks

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

EEO is the Law

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 Acquisition Office 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

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the 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.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon 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.