Research Specialist, Laboratory Animal - SOM STAR Trauma

SCOPE OF ROLE
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.

Responsibilities
The Laboratory Research Specialist Animal is responsible for performing research activities at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Functions as a single specialist in a laboratory setting, is responsible for providing the advanced technical expertise to research project(s) and must follow and complete advanced pathways to provide an animal `whole body care' as it applies to the area of specialty to achieve this job title. The position will work in a highly collaborative environment to achieve research project goals by designing studies, performing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, writing reports, presenting results, and training staff and students. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations, USDA, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Public Health Services (PHS), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), Association for assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines, and/or United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) 21CFR58 Good Laboratory Practices Regulations.
Essential Functions:

- Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. Perform procedures utilizing specific skillsets or advanced treatments as dictated by the veterinarian in charge. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications.

- Independently perform day to day laboratory research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health; collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays; breeding colonization processes; irradiation of blood products; and executing biochemical or hematopoietic procedures such as: bone marrow aspirations, complete blood count, white cell differential, electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, PCR and DNA extractions, etc.; and may require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.

- Performs laboratory animal support activities such as surgical, anesthesia, enrichment, diagnostics, good laboratory practice, internal-medical and biohazardous research and may contribute to the design of related activities.

- Administer day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring and advise on the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies including the identification of supply sources. Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components and explaining/resolving technical issues.

- Conduct library research and participates in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Contribute to the preparation of journal articles and grant proposals. Presents research findings.

- Prepare materials for research studies, including sample collection kits and research documents.

- Assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral, international fellows, and/or junior technical personnel in the performance of a variety of laboratory techniques.

- Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health, collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health, reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, administer specific or prescribed animal treatments as required; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays, breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc. May require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.

- May perform advanced laboratory research activities on variety of animals species such as: obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples, perform animal surgery, post-operative care, implantation or placement of medical devices, administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia, and perform euthanasia process. May participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects.

- 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.

- May 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, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal science.

- Three (3) years of experience working with animals in a research laboratory setting or in an animal hospital is preferred, including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization in rodent/multi-species clinical ;

- 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:
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.