Description

Job Description

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Department of Medicine - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Animal Research Assistant or Specialist position. This position is responsible for carrying out specific projects under the direct supervision of the Primary Investigator (PI). This position is responsible for supporting and/or ensuring design, development, documentation, and implementation of research procedures and protocols using a variety of complex activities. This position will be filled as either a Laboratory Animal Research Assistant or Laboratory Animal Research Specialist based on the qualifications of the chosen candidate. Extensive experience in animal handling is essential. Familiarity with surgical procedures and/or imaging techniques in small animals is a plus.

ABOUT US:

We are looking for an ambitious, inquisitive, and self-driven candidate to join a dynamic community of basic scientists who together are pushing the boundaries of chemical biology, developmental biology, cell biology, pharmacology, and academic drug discovery. A solid background in molecular cell biology is essential; familiarity with cell signaling pathways is a plus. The incumbent will have opportunities to independently delve deeper into a research topic, learn new techniques, and expand their knowledge in laboratory research.

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.

The Laboratory Animal Research Assistant is responsible for performing animal research activities and animal clinical care in a laboratory setting with a variety of species. 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), and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines.

PRIMARY DUTIES - Laboratory Animal Research Assistant:

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Laboratory Animal Research Specialist 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES - Laboratory Animal Research Specialist:

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Lab Animal Research Assistant:

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal science.

Experience: None required. Rodent handling experience preferred.

Supervisory Experience: N/A.

Certification/Licensure: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.

Other: 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Lab Animal Research Specialist:

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal science.

Experience: Three (3) years 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 evaluation/procedures.

Supervisory Experience: N/A.

Certificate/Licensure: Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATg), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certifications preferred.

Other: 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Familiarity with surgical procedures and/or imaging techniques in small animals is a plus. Knowledge of position requirements include animal handling and maintenance, DNA extraction, PCR, and familiarity with animal injection techniques and tissue harvesting. Knowledge of position requirements include basic molecular cell biology techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qPCR (quantitative PCR), RNA/DNA techniques, Western blotting, protein purification; familiarity with immunohistochemistry, including confocal microscopy, and basic cell culture techniques. 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.

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience

Lab Animal Research Assistant $51,000 - $56,000

Lab Animal Research Specialist $64,000 - $67,000

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.