Research Assistant, Laboratory - SOM Thoracic Surgery

The Division of Thoracic Surgery in the University of Maryland Department of Surgery is recruiting a Contractual Laboratory Research Assistant to join its dynamic team of world-renowned clinical research scientists. The Division is nationally recognized for developing innovative treatments for disorders of the chest's structures and organs, particularly the lungs and esophagus. The division's research lab supports multiple basic, translational, and patient-directed clinical trials exploring lung transplantation and lung cancer, as well as novel ways to improve patient care.
Basic research in the division focuses on personalized immune-mediated responses designed to alter survival. Our laboratory works to define pathways that contribute to lung allograft rejection to design better immunosuppression strategies. We also focus our efforts on developing drugs to stimulate the immune response against both localized and metastatic lung cancer that has spread throughout the body.
The University of Maryland Department of Surgery offers the most innovative surgical treatment options for patients with cases ranging from routine to the most medically complex. Our physicians' vast surgical and research expertise, our multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and the broad resources of an outstanding academic medical center combine to attract leading surgeon-scientists to the University of Maryland.

Responsibilities
- Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, wipe tests, ELISA assays, preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers; cultures and specimens; autoradiograms and photomicrographs, executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc.

- May perform advanced laboratory research activities such as animal surgery, microscopy techniques, imaging techniques, recombinant DNA techniques, protein purification, and hybridization. May participate in the design of research studies.

- Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.

- Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.

- Perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.*
Preferred Skills:
Protein expression in bacteria including cloning of plasmid expression vector , transformation, induction of the protein of interest and purification of the target protein. Molecular biology techniques such as Gel electrophoresis, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA
*Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job may be substituted for the education or experience requirement.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Accomplishes responsibilities by applying specialized and theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline normally acquired through advanced education or specialized training. Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. Contributes to development and evaluation of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May supervise, mentor, or coordinate work of others (positions that supervise are responsible for service delivery, quality assurance, and employee performance). May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources. Applies entry level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Decision making occurs within defined parameters. Supervisor defines assignments, expectations, and deadlines. Supervisor may review work for quality. Demonstrates initiative and discretion to resolve routine and non-routine matters. Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.