Laboratory Research Specialist

Job Description

The Malaria Research and Vaccine Development laboratory of Professor Stefan Kappe at the School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD), University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD), is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Specialist to support mosquito colony maintenance, malaria parasite lifecycle propagation, and innovative vector-stage malaria research activities.

In addition to maintaining mosquito colonies and supporting experimental infections, the successful candidate will contribute at developing in vitro sporozoite production systems capable of generating functional and infectious malaria sporozoites outside the mosquito. While this remains a major technical challenge in the field, successful development of scalable in vitro sporozoite production platforms could have transformative implications for malaria research and the manufacturing of whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines.

This is an excellent long-term opportunity for individuals interested in vector biology, insectary operations, infectious disease research, and vaccine development.

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:

• Maintain Anopheles mosquito colonies and insectary operations.
• Support malaria parasite life cycle maintenance for both human and rodent malaria parasites.
• Assist with mosquito feeding and infection experiments.
• Support ongoing efforts to optimize in vitro mosquito and parasite culture systems for sporozoite production.
• Assist in mosquito infection, parasite transmission, and sporozoite collection procedures.
• Contribute to development and optimization of scalable parasite production workflows relevant to malaria vaccine research.
• Prepare and maintain insectary supplies and equipment.

Qualifications

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

Experience: Three (3) years of experience including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.

Supervisory Experience: NA

Certification/Licensure: NA

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:

• Interest in insects, vector biology, or infectious disease research.
• Interest in translational research and vaccine manufacturing technologies.
• Prior laboratory insectary or field entomological experience.
• Experience handling mosquitoes or other insect colonies.
• Experience with animal research or microbiological techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules when needed for mosquito maintenance.
• 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: $68,000 - $72,000, Commensurate with education and experience