Research Assistant

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Maryland Line, MARYLAND
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

The Wilson Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Assistant . The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of the faculty investigator. The work performed by the research assistant will include the synthesis of novel biomaterials via small-molecule and polymer chemistry, analysis of synthesized materials via NMR spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, and mass spec. In addition, the Research Assistant will be responsible for a variety of lab duties, including waste management, cleaning glassware, monitoring and ordering lab supplies, and general upkeep of lab equipment.

The Wilson Lab focuses on the synthesis and preclinical validation of biomaterials-based immunomodulatory therapies that bias the adaptive immune response towards antigen-specific immunity or tolerance. Utilizing organic chemistry, the aim of our group is to synthesize bespoke biomaterials with specific immunomodulatory functionalities. In addition to immunomodulatory therapies, we are also developing platforms that modulate the spatial-temporal delivery of both small molecules and biologics.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a proven track record of conducting independent research. Experience in small-molecule and polymer synthesis and characterization is an absolute requirement.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented or minority groups. We pride ourselves in establishing a creative, stimulating, and diverse environment wherein researchers put their ideas into action and obtain expertise in technology development and chemistry approaches.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules via organic chemistry.
  • Synthesis, purification, and characterization of polymers and macromolecules via organic chemistry.
  • Management of general lab supplies and reagents to ensure availability for the entire lab.
  • Responsible for the safe and expedient disposal of solid and liquid wastes.
  • Cleaning glassware and maintaining the tidiness of general lab areas.
  • Onboard new lab members, and train students and other junior personnel in basic laboratory techniques, including organic synthesis.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
  • Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and other ad hoc meetings as needed.
  • Adhering to the safety policies of the lab and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center at JHU.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Sound organizational skills.
  • Strong documentation skills.
  • Ability to carry out experimental protocols reliably and reproducibly.
  • Work on multiple priorities effectively.
  • Execute assigned project tasks within established schedule.
  • Work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
  • Additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with small molecule and polymer chemistry, flow cytometry, NMR, mass spec, liquid chromatography.

Classified Title: Research Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD
Starting Salary Range: Min $17.00 - Max $30.00 HRLY ($45,825 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM BME Cell and Tissue Engineering
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

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: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

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.

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
Learn more:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

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 [email protected] . For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu .

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 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/ .

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.

Note: Job Postings are updated daily and remain online until filled.