Core Facility Research Specialist II (Molecular Microbiology & Immunology)

• 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.