"Laboratory Research Assistant (Surgery Assistant)"

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), the Artificial Organs Lab in the Department of Cardiac Surgery is recruiting a Laboratory Research Assistant to join their dynamic laboratory team. Our Cardiac Surgical faculty are engaged in nearly thirty translational and clinical research awards to investigate the causes of heart disease and find new ways to treat it. The selected candidate will support the mission and vision of the department.

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 the development and evaluation of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May supervise, mentor, or coordinate the 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• 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 hybridizations, etc. May participate in the design of research studies.
• Prepare animals for invasive cardiac procedures by performing manual restraint, pre-anesthetic administration, IV placement, intubation, clipping and scrubbing animals, anesthetic administration, anesthetic monitoring, and positioning.
• Prepare tissue, blood, and urine samples or other samples for submission and shipping to third-party labs for evaluation.
• Perform as operative room assistant, including basic operation of imaging equipment (Ultrasound imaging (sonography), X-ray fluoroscopy), physiological patient monitors, and infusion pumps. Maintain all surgical equipment, including an ultrasound machine, x-ray and anesthesia machines, ECG, cautery, autoclaves, etc.
• 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.
• Assist investigators in various research projects, including bench experiments laboratory tests.
• 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.
• Maintain inventory and supplies used in lab.
• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of laboratories.
• Maintain logs that adhere to standards for UMB, USDA, and NIH policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

Experience: Prior laboratory experience preferred.

Supervisory Experience: N/A.

Certification/Licensure: N/A.

Other: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation. May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

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.

HIRING RANGE: $48,000 - $54,000 per year (Commensurate with education and experience)