Research Specialist, Laboratory

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) brings together more than four decades of innovative and life-saving research on vaccines and infectious diseases. The Tran laboratory at the Center for Vaccine Development & Global Health is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist to support research investigating host immune responses to malaria and monoclonal antibody pharmacokinetics and function. During the first several months, the successful candidate will also play an important role in helping establish the new laboratory, including organizing laboratory space, setting up protocols and workflows, and assisting with equipment and inventory. Candidates who demonstrate strong technical ability, excellent organizational skills, and creativity may have the opportunity for advancement.
The Tran laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist to support research investigating host immune responses to malaria and monoclonal antibody pharmacokinetics and function. During the first several months, the successful candidate will also play an important role in helping establish the new laboratory, including organizing laboratory space, setting up protocols and workflows, and assisting with equipment and inventory.
BENEFITS: EXEMPT REGULAR
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of.  This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).
UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.  All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Responsibilities
- Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies.

- 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.

- Administer day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies.

- 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. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of experience including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR and cloning.
Experience with immunoassays, including ELISA and Western blotting.
Experience with cell culture and sterile technique.
Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
OTHER: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

Except for qualifications established by law, 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 class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience culturing  Plasmodium falciparum.
Experience training undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques.
Experience with laboratory organization, inventory, and protocol development.
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to identify and solve experimental or technical problems.
Creativity, initiative, and adaptability in developing or improving laboratory methods and workflows.
Basic knowledge of R or Python to facilitate sharing of data with other team members.