The Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Technologist within the Liu Lab. The candidate will be highly motivated, organized, and energetic with interests in mathematical modeling of cell adhesion and migration to join our growing team in the Department of Cell Biology. The Liu Lab takes a distinct modeling approach to cell biology, treating cellular systems as discrete functional modules comprising a set of critical players. This allows both simplification and retention of essential biological features. The larger goal of this modular approach is to allow for processes to be combined at a theoretical level to reveal the interplay among them in the cell as a whole. All the projects in the Liu lab are in close synergy with experimental testing.

The successful candidate will learn and apply relevant theoretical modeling approaches to answer research questions aligned with the interests of the lab under the direct guidance of Dr. Liu. The selected candidate is expected to have strong background in math and physics, participate in weekly lab meetings. Successful completion of their research responsibilities will result in co-authorship or even 1st authorship on publications. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience for those who may be interested in pursuing a biomedical sciences PhD or MD, as the candidate will learn and apply the theory behind cellular and molecular biology experiments, expand their analytical toolkit, and develop problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

The Research Technologist will also play a role in lab setup and lab management. These duties include, but may not be limited to, ordering equipment and supplies, receiving shipments, setting up and maintaining equipment, and monitoring lab stocks and inventories. This position requires enthusiasm for scientific research, clear communication (written and oral), good time management skills, and effectiveness at working in a team.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Generate mathematical modeling approaches to simulate a variety of the spatial-temporal dynamics of focal adhesion assembly/disassembly cycle, the related durotaxis, and cell migration in general.
• Establish numerical methods to solve coupled partial-differential-equations and obtain the mean field results.
• Use stochastic simulation codes and methods to determine how fluctuations impact the mean-field results.
• Perform data and image analysis for the experimental data.
• Ordering and setting up new equipment, monitoring inventory levels, ordering materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, and receiving and unpacking order.
• Careful recordkeeping and data entry, use of databases and various software applications, such as spreadsheets, statistical packages, and graphics packages, to assemble, manipulate, and/or format data.
• Organization and maintenance of databases for common lab protocols and image analysis pipelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Applicants must be organized, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about research.

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

• Double Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology and math, or physics or related field.
• Some related post-undergraduate work experience.

Classified Title: Research Technologist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($20.00 HRLY targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Limited 
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Cell Bio Cell Biology  
Personnel area: School of Medicine