"Lead Laboratory Animal Research Specialist"

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is currently recruiting for a Lead Laboratory Animal Research Specialist to join the research laboratory of Graham Aberdeen, PhD and support study establishing a therapeutic modality to prevent the maternal and infant vascular dysfunction that is caused by improper spiral artery remodeling.

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.

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, 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

• Functions as a single specialist in a laboratory setting, is responsible for providing the highest 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. Ensures design, development, documentation and implementation of research procedures and protocols using a variety of complex activities.
• Independently perform laboratory maintenance and laboratory research activities required by the study(s). Lead the development and execution of project research studies. Perform procedures utilizing specific skillsets or advanced treatments as dictated by the veterinarian in charge. Revise studies, in consultation with upper management or principal investigator, to meet changing needs and requirements and enforces standards.
• Provide day-to-day laboratory operations oversight including monitoring and/or advising on the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures; ordering supplies 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. Identify and address issues and deficiencies and implements effective solutions.
• Performs laboratory animal support activities such as surgical, anesthesia, enrichment, diagnostics, good laboratory practice, internal-medical and biohazardous research and may contribute advanced support to the design of related activities.
• Assemble and assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications. Present research findings.
• Conduct library research and prepares manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Prepare material for journal articles and grant proposals.
• Perform directorial duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; develops policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelors in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal science.
• Experience: Five (5) years experience working with animals in a research laboratory setting or in an animal hospital, including three (3) years in the relevant research specialization.
• Other: 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. Prior experience working with primates is strongly preferred.