Research Assistant or Research Specialist

How to Apply:  Candidates should apply directly on website at

https://umb.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=220000VF&lang=en

Job #220000VF

The Anesthesiology Research in Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research Center (STAR) in the School of Medicine is searching for an inspired, motivated, and disciplined candidates to join a dynamic team. The position involves independently providing guidance and technical expertise to laboratory research projects and overseeing the laboratory’s research activities. This position is responsible for ensuring design, development, documentation and implementation of research procedures and protocols using a variety of complex activities.  The successful candidate is expected to assist several research projects in areas of mitochondrial biology, ischemic brain injury, alcohol addiction/toxicity, and neurodegenerative disease. Basic knowledge in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience is required.

This position will be filled either as C2 (contractual) Research Assistant, Laboratory or a Research Specialist, Laboratory based upon the selected candidates’ qualifications, experience, and skill level.

Essential Functions:

Research Assistant: Performs routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as general housekeeping, preparing chemical solutions, media, stains, and buffers; ordering and stocking laboratory supplies, organizing lab space, inventory of laboratory supplies, arranging lab meetings, attending lab meetings and departmental seminars and trainings. Utilizes molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and quantitative histological for analysis.  Performs advanced laboratory research activities such as managing mouse colonies and genotyping, animal sample harvesting, animals’ perfusion fixation, and molecular biological experiments, such as Western blot, ELISA, immunostaining.  This individual may also participate in the design of research studies.  Compiles, analyzes, and interprets research data using various relevant computer software applications.  Assists with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publications along with training/guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians, assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation.

Research Specialist: In addition to the Assistant duties, the Research Specialist performs independent project(s) and participates in the design of research studies. Performs laboratory research activities such biochemical fractionations, specialized assays for the measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and other functions, fixed cell microscopy, quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunoblot, and ELISA analysis, and rodent surgical procedures. Drafts Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols. Conducts literature research and participates in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication. Contributes to the preparation of journal articles and grant proposals. Presents research findings. Administers day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies.

Qualifications:

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Assistant:  Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field of study.

Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field of study and three (3) years’ experience in laboratory research including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.

Other:

Equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.

May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.          

Based on level hired, the candidate will be expected to have some or all of the following

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Possesses a knowledge of position requirements and able to perform position in compliance with all requirements/regulations/laws.  Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory.  Skill in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software as well as spreadsheet and database software applications. Ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed.  Assumes personal responsibility for all outcomes; makes effective and timely decisions; and learns how to effectively use technology.  Maintains productivity and uses knowledge strategies to increase knowledge base.

Able to make independent decisions that are a matter of significance and ability to use measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgments. Ability to use a consultative approach to resolve issues in area of responsibility.

Ability to take a lead role in performing and directing various advanced and routine scientific procedures. Ability to perform independent projects and to serve as a consultant in area of technical specialty. Ability to design and recommend changes to research projects and/or area of technical specialty.

Ability to diagnose equipment malfunctions and perform simple equipment repairs. Ability to conduct literature research and participate in the preparation of journal articles.

Effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.  Write and present information in a clear and concise way.  Interpret and understand written information and is able to listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding. 

Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrate professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others.  Remain calm and manage conflict and work well with a diverse workforce.

UMB employees are strongly encouraged to follow all CDC recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Employees whose job duties require them to work in clinical settings or at clinical or field sites continue to be subject to the vaccine requirements of those sites. For additional information on protocols and exemptions, please visit the COVID-19 website.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, for any part of the recruitment process, please contact us at HRJobs@umaryland.edu and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.