Research Specialist

We are seeking a Research Specialist to work under Department of Oncology Analytical Pharmacology Core Laboratory (APC). The main focus of this laboratory is to determine the concentration of drugs and their metabolites in blood and tissue from clinical or preclinical experiments. This position will be filled by a person who will be responsible for running analytical methods for drug analysis.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Operates basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, scintillation counter and/or utilizes laminar flow hood.
• Operates lab computers for data entry.
• Prepare all reagents necessary for experiments and use proper sterile techniques to avoid contamination.
• Use various techniques for sample preparation such as protein precipitation, liquid liquid extraction and SPE.
• Operate the UPLC/MS/MS to complete sample analysis for small molecules in various matrices and species (human, mouse, rabbit, plasma and tissue). Once analytical run is complete, analyze and interprets data and export results into excel file. Adapts and/or modifies experimental methods based upon interpretation of data.
• Develop UPLC/MS/MS method under supervision.
• Complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace.
• Completes annual university biohazard/universal precaution/radiation safety training, as appropriate.
• Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
• Monitors inventory levels, orders materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, counts orders upon receipt.
• Complies with the appropriate technical quality controls of all clinical pharmacology test results within the Cancer Center.
• Documents all work performed in accordance with laboratory SOPs. In addition, creates, modified, and interprets laboratory SOP's.
• Follows and stays up-to-date FDA/GLP guidelines to sample validation and analysis.
• Assist with incoming studies samples to ensure samples submitted are labeled correctly and they are all accounted for. Put sample information into database to track and store samples at proper conditions. Maintains specimen database.
• Performs entry-level pharmacokinetic analysis under supervision.
• Contribute to writing peer reviewed manuscripts and grants.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Master's degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software required, specifically word and excel. Experience with Analyst software preferred.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Experience with literature search and problem solving.
• Experience with HPLC, UPLC, and mass spectrometry coupled with a general knowledge of chemical sciences required; particularly chemistry, sample extraction and preparation for LC/MS analysis.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Job Posting Title (Working Title):Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $17.11 - $29.90 HRLY ($23.50/hour targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30-5:00
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus
Department name: 10002932-SOM Onc Analytical Pharmacology Core
Personnel area: School of Medicine