We are seeking a **_Research Specialist II_** who will provide technical assistance in behavioral training of rats and molecular and histological analysis of rat brain tissue. Carries out behavioral testing of young and aged rats for various investigations regarding the impact of aging on cognition. **Specific Duties & Responsibilities** _Scientific Research and Reporting_ + Maintains experimental animals, strategizes training and behavioral testing, performs surgeries and basic histological techniques. + Performs all aspects of experiments related to investigation of cognitive function in aging including but not limited to DNA/RNA/protein extraction, in situ hybridization, western blotting, real time PCR, genotyping, immunohistochemistry, maintenance of experimental and laboratory records. + Duties may also include animal perfusion and brain dissection. + Designs experiments and develops/tests protocols. + Performs experiments via collaborative projects with other labs. + Evaluates experimental results, identifies problems and proposes and implements plans for solutions. + Performs data analysis. + Determines course of action for research projects with regard to assessment, revision of objectives, or altering scientific direction. + Manages independent projects. + Uses specialized software applications to assemble, manipulate, and/or format data and reports. + Serves as liaison with various entities throughout the scientific community. + Contributes to data interpretation, manuscript preparation and publishing. + Provides on and off-site technical consultation and training to associate research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and laboratory staff members. + Independently identifies and resolves scientific and operational issues as needed. + Serves as emergency contact for laboratories and back-up to the laboratory manager when required due to inclement weather or laboratory member absences. _Maintain Lab Space_ + Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe lab space. + This includes proper labeling of new supplies/materials and proper disposal of chemicals and other waste. _Safety and training_ + Trains and manages undergraduates, graduate students, and others rotating through the laboratory. + Responsible for monitoring radiation usage and disposal, as well as associated record maintenance for the lab. **Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities** + Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate with supervisors and coworkers efficiently and proactively. + Ability to work highly independently, but also collaboratively with individuals within the laboratory as well as from other research groups. + Experience in rodent handling and breeding is strongly desired. + Knowledge of standard protocols for PCR, basic molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, genotyping, microscopy, tissue processing, and maintenance of experimental/laboratory records. + Must be familiar with office and laboratory applications of Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) and/or data analysis software (SAS, SPSS). **Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications** + Experience in rodent handling and breeding is strongly desired. + Knowledge of standard protocols for PCR, basic molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, genotyping, microscopy, tissue processing, and maintenance of experimental/laboratory records. + Must be familiar with office and laboratory applications of Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) and/or data analysis software (SAS, SPSS). **Minimum Qualifications** + Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field. + Two years 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. **Preferred Qualifications** + Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, or Neuroscience. + Experience working with animals, utilizing spatial learning paradigms and general lab equipment. + Experience with or other similar behavioral testing/data collection programs. + Knowledge of dosing, preparation, and delivery of centrally acting drugs. + Coursework in basic cell or molecular biology. Classified Title: Research Specialist II Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB Starting Salary Range: $41,300 - $56,800 - $72,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday -Friday - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; occasional weekends or evenings based on experiments or animal welfare FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Homewood Campus Department name: ​​​​​​​Psychological and Brain Sciences Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences The listed salary range represents the minimum and maximum Johns Hopkins University offers for this position, based on a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, market conditions, education, and internal equity. Not all candidates will qualify for the highest salary in the range. Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. 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 https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf