Research Technologist (Ophthalmology)

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic Research Technologist with an interest in biomedical research to work in the field of biology and disease of the retina. Specifically, our lab studies the role of the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), in ocular disease. In the eye, HIF dysregulation leads to increased expression of gene products that promote angiogenesis and vascular permeability. However, HIF modulates the expression of hundreds of genes that are also essential for adaptive responses regulating vascular remodeling, cellular metabolism, as well as the response of cells to oxidative stress. The balance between HIF regulation and dysregulation can play a protective or harmful role, respectively, in ocular disease. Our lab investigates the role of HIF and HIF-regulated gene products in the pathophysiology of ischemic retinopathies (e.g., diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusions, and sickle cell retinopathy), retinal degenerations (e.g., dry and wet age-related macular degeneration), and ocular tumors (e.g., uveal melanoma) with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of these vision-threatening diseases.

The Research Technologist performs laboratory tasks and completes routine assays following common or established protocols and procedures.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel, the successful applicant will be responsible for performing experimental analyses on fresh, fixed or cultured human and mouse retinal tissues or cells.
• They will follow established procedures or protocols to utilize basic cellular and molecular biology methods, such as immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, tissue cultures, and cell transfection.
• The projects will involve transgenic mice and therefore require maintenance of mouse lines by breeding and PCR genotyping.

• The successful applicant is expected to maintain clear written records and be able to design and carryout experiments independently. He/she will also be encouraged to contribute to the planning and writing of any relevant publications.

• Perform clinical and/or research laboratory experiments by following common protocols independently or with instructions.
• Use basic science knowledge to learn techniques and methods of the lab.
• Gain problem-solving skills through progressive training, understanding of the research, and experience.
• Run lab tests and complete measurements.
• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine assays.
• Increase skill base and knowledge of lab research and relevant assays.
• Train users in standard equipment operation and routine lab techniques and procedures.
• Set-up experiments based on defined standards.
• Collect project data.
• Prepare, test, and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Perform related laboratory maintenance, monitor inventory of supplies, clean equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field

• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education permitted by the JHU equivalency formula beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent

• Some relevant post-undergraduate work experience in the field of cellular and molecular biology is preferred.
• Experience in mouse breeding and genotyping is preferred.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($20-23.63/hour targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Oph Retina Service
Personnel area: School of Medicine