Laboratory Animal Research Specialist

The Department of Pediatrics for the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Animal Research Specialist.

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.

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.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• 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.
• Perform 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 other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: 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.

Supervisory Experience: State of Maryland Board Approval as a designated supervisor.

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