Research Technologist

The Ewald laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, dependable, curious, and well-organized Research Technologist, with an interest in cancer research to work in a fast-paced and dynamic basic science lab. The Ewald Lab studies the molecular control of cancer metastasis through a combination of advanced 3D culture models and both genetically engineered (GEMM) and patient derived xenograft (PDX) models of cancer metastasis.

Specific duties & responsibilities: The Research Technologist will support the design and management of both the GEMM and PDX animal colonies, which involves working with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical fellows to identify the strains, genotypes, ages, and numbers of mice necessary for their work. Maintenance of this >300 cage mouse colony involves planning and setting up breedings, weaning mice, tagging, tailing, and genotyping mice. The cancer models require specialized data collection on tumor progression in each mouse, analysis of the results of sophisticated genetic crosses, and small animal surgeries. These analyses require designing and updating computational databases describing the natural history of disease in the animal models and the results of molecular interventions

The Research Technologist will also be involved in teaching the basics of mouse genetics and colony management to new lab members. They will also be responsible for supporting supply and consumable purchasing and for maintaining lab compliance with and renewal of recombinant DNA, biohazard, human tissue, and ACUC animal protocols fashion.

It is anticipated that the successful applicant will be able to devote time to research and research staff in the Ewald lab have frequently been co-authors on publications. Ewald Lab research requires an understanding of the theory behind molecular and cell biology experiments and applying analytical skills to design and trouble-shoot complex experiments. Successful completion of these responsibilities will require extensive knowledge of the overall objectives and interests of the lab's research and it is anticipated that they could contribute (as author or as acknowledged technical contributor) to research manuscripts. The applicant needs to be capable of exercising independent judgment while participating in the planning of experiments and evaluating and interpreting results.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Works with mice, with mouse models of human cancer, and with human cells and tissue. Must be able to follow experimental protocols, monitor animals and maintain health records in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines.
• 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/recombinant DNA, human tissue (uniform universal precautions), chemical safety training, as appropriate.
• Utilizes precise experimental technique, in strict accordance with written protocols, and records precisely the results of experiments and of the animal colony.
• Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizing aseptic technique (when necessary) to perform experiments which may include any of the following: tissue culture, cell separation methods, electrophoretic separations, basic molecular biology, or other specialized histology and biological science techniques, primary cell culture, subcellular separation methods, and techniques associated with protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Operates basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, spectrophotometer, electrophoresis units, light microscope, and laminar flow hood. Will likely also conduct experiments utilizing more sophisticated instrumentation, such as thermal cyclers, luminometer and confocal microscope.
• Lab administration duties will involve ordering and setting up new equipment, monitoring inventory levels, ordering materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, and receiving and unpacking orders.
• Data entry and the use of databases and various software applications, such as spreadsheets, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data.

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.
• Minimum of a significant (> 6 month) undergraduate research experience in a comparable laboratory.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Prior experience working with mice preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy preferred but not required.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Cell Bio Cell Biology
Personnel area: School of Medicine