Insect Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute within the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health seeks a full-time Research Specialist II. This position will be situated within the JHMRI Core Insectary Facility under the direct supervision of facility director Dr. Conor McMeniman.

The hire will work as part of a team and will be responsible for the mass production and quality control of mosquito colonies required to support JHMRI research operations, including downstream malaria parasite infection and mosquito transgenesis. This position will involve some light lifting, working in a warm and humid environment, and standing for prolonged periods while performing insect husbandry. The Research Specialist II develops assays and protocols for PI approval and designs experimental approaches for laboratory projects.

Performs a range of sophisticated assays. Makes significant contributions to various aspects of laboratory efforts and goals. Responsible for troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other laboratory personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities Conduct assigned laboratory projects. Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, evaluate results, etc

Work independently and use scientific knowledge and lab experience to make judgments and decisions. Teach/train learners, and new technicians in the laboratory. Guide, direct, and facilitate problem solving for entry-level laboratory 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.

Scientifically contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and proposals. Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications. Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors.

Other duties as assigned. In addition to the duties described above Mass rearing and handling of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes to support core facility operations. Protocol optimization for mosquito mass rearing.

Small animal handling for mosquito colony maintenance. Support mosquito transgenesis activities using embryonic microinjection. Maintain facility operations in compliance with all institutional and USDA guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field. Two years of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques. 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.

Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree with related graduate research. Excellent organization skills and attention to detail. Experience with husbandry of mosquitoes or other insects under ACL2 and/or ACL3 containment.

Experience working with mice. Experience with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and/or aseptic technique. Some experience with standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning).

Some experience with insect transgenesis protocols (e.g. embryonic microinjection). Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency Assay Development and Validation - Developing Data Management and Analysis - Developing Experimental Design and Execution - Developing Operations Management - Developing Protocol Development and Optimization - Developing Scientific Writing - Developing Stakeholder Engagement - 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 Job Posting Title (Working Title): Core Facility Research Specialist II (Molecular Microbiology & Immunology) Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm FLSA Status: Exempt Location: School of Public Health Department name: W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy Personnel area: School of Public Health