"Laboratory Research Specialist (Sign-On Bonus)"

Job Description

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. As an organized research center within the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), CVD comprises a multi-disciplinary team of faculty and staff whose primary mission is to develop, evaluate, and implement vaccines and other interventions to reduce illness and mortality domestically and in less developed countries.

CVD is currently recruiting a Laboratory Research Specialist. The Laboratory Research Specialist position is eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus. ***Half will be paid following 30 days of satisfactory service at UMB, and half will be paid upon successful completion of probation. Current UMB employees are not eligible for the sign-on bonus.***

Benefits (Exempt Regular):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program 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, 16 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.

Primary Duties:

• Perform independent project(s) related to vaccine and infectious disease immunology, and participate in the design of research studies. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications including GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, Microsoft Excel, etc.
• Independently perform immunoassays, including ELISAs and multiplexed antibody assays (i.e., MSD, Luminex), with a high degree of precision to evaluate immune responses in clinical samples collected from human volunteers enrolled in clinical trials. Independently perform other immunological assays (ELISpot, neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, cell-based assays), and measurement of antibody function.
• Assist with the development, optimization, and qualification of immunological assays for the testing of samples collected from human participants enrolled in clinical trials. Independently, write sections of assay bioanalytical characterization reports and be able to review protocols and reports.
• Analyze, organize, review, and interpret data collected from immunoassays. Critically evaluate research data and perform quality control. Identify problems and collaborate on troubleshooting assay procedures.
• Perform PBMC isolation techniques and cell counting to support various analyses. Conduct Flow Cytometry Analyses.
• Organize, manage, review, and ensure the highest quality of assay data. Assure that all data is clean by following up on data discrepancies, missing information, and any required updates assigned by the sponsors.
• Promptly respond to any data queries.
• Independently perform day-to-day laboratory activities such as general housekeeping, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, processing biological samples, preparation of buffers and reagents, reconstituting and aliquoting of reagents, and thorough record keeping and documentation of activities.
• Shipping biological specimens, generate study-related sample labels, and play a significant role in archiving specimens and maintaining inventories in the laboratory.
• Actively participate in the establishment or revisions of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and multiple routine lab procedures.
• Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components, and explaining/resolving technical issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology 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.

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.

Preferred Experience: Possess experience in routine cell culture and executing cell culture assays. Experience with cell-based toxin neutralization assays is a plus. Knowledge of immunology and bacteriology.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Self-starting, motivated, goal-oriented, driven by desire to produce the best quality data and study deliverables. Excellent planning and organizational skills. Skill in the effective use of applicable technology/systems. Proficiency in using Excel, GraphPad Prism, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams and the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, programs, and analysis software as needed. Skills in bacteriology and basic bacterial assays such as opsonophagocytic assay and bacterial titration/plate counting. Knowledge of immunoassays, assay development, and clinical trials is needed. Knowledge of microbiology and cell culture. Knowledge working with cells for immunological assays. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to write reports and Standard Operating Procedures. Ability to meticulously generate and maintain study-related spreadsheets. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are essential.

Hiring Range: $64,000 - $71,000, commensurate with education and experience

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.