Faculty Assistant
About The Position
At The University of Maryland School of Public Health (SPH) we promote and protect health for all by advancing interdisciplinary education and experience; conducting innovative and impactful research; supporting growth and well-being of faculty, staff, and students; and engaging meaningfully with diverse communities and strategic partners. Receive, process, and archive clinical specimens (e.g., blood, nasal swabs, saliva, aerosol samples) according to established protocols. Perform molecular biology and virology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR/dPCR setup, ELISA preparation, virus titration assays, and related procedures. Maintain accurate sample tracking, laboratory notebooks, electronic data records, and quality assurance documentation. Assist in troubleshooting equipment, assay performance, and workflow issues under supervision of senior laboratory staff. Contribute to a safe, compliant, and well-functioning laboratory by following biosafety procedures, maintaining clean work areas, managing inventory, and assisting with routine equipment maintenance. This is a temporary, hourly, full-time or part-time position (~3 months). Evening and weekend hours are required to meet study timelines. Position is fully in-person and cannot be performed remotely. Two part-time or one full-time technician will support novel NIH supported airborne influenza virus transmission research by processing clinical specimens and performing high-complexity molecular and virological assays (e.g., RT-qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, virus titration).
Requirements
- Education: Bachelors degree in a biological or chemical science.
- General knowledge of the principles and practices of natural and/or chemical sciences; of the safe and proper handling and disposal of applicable specimens, materials and equipment.
- Ability to perform laboratory procedures using applicable equipment and techniques
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Ability to use computers and related software applications
- Ability to lift, transport and deliver materials and stock laboratory supplies and goods
- Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in a clinical laboratory or processing large numbers of human biological sample for research.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic sample-tracking databases.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new laboratory procedures quickly and adapt to changing operational needs.
Responsibilities
- Receive, process, and archive clinical specimens (e.g., blood, nasal swabs, saliva, aerosol samples) according to established protocols.
- Perform molecular biology and virology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR/dPCR setup, ELISA preparation, virus titration assays, and related procedures.
- Maintain accurate sample tracking, laboratory notebooks, electronic data records, and quality assurance documentation.
- Assist in troubleshooting equipment, assay performance, and workflow issues under supervision of senior laboratory staff.
- Contribute to a safe, compliant, and well-functioning laboratory by following biosafety procedures, maintaining clean work areas, managing inventory, and assisting with routine equipment maintenance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
