Job Description

The department of Oncology is seeking a Research Technologist who, under the general supervision of a faculty investigator, will be responsible for performing routine analyses and tests on animal or human fluids and/or tissue or cultured cell lines. The Hahn lab focuses on novel epigenetic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes of patients and families affected by bladder cancer. Over the course of the summer, Research Technologists will be introduced to basic laboratory techniques (cell culture, MTT assessment, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blot, etc.) commonly used in medical research labs throughout the world. The applicant will be taught how to perform some siRNA experiments in bladder cancer cell lines in which he/she will knock down expression of specific zinc finger transcripts that have been identified as epigenetically silenced in human bladder cancer from data generated from the TCGA bladder cancer project. He/she will study the effects of knocking down these zinc finger transcripts on cell proliferation, invasion, and gene expression as well as response to therapy. The Research Technologist performs laboratory tasks and completes routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Work requires basic use of scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience.
• Uses basic understanding of theory behind experiments and applies basic analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.
• Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include: basic tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, assays, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques.
• May utilize in vivo models in experiments.
• Monitors inventory levels, orders materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, counts orders upon receipt.
• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols independently or with instructions.

• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques and methods of the lab.

• Gain problem-solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.

• Run lab tests and complete measurements.

• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine assays.

• Increase skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.

• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures.

• Set-up experiments based on defined standards.

• Collect project data.

• Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitor inventory of supplies, clean equipment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($21.00/hour targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 8:30a - 5p
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Oncology
Personnel area: School of Medicine