Laboratory Animal Research Assistant

University of Maryland•Baltimore, MD

3d•$52,000 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland School of Medicine has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Animal Research Assistant to join their Department of Pediatrics. The Laboratory Animal Research Assistant is responsible for performing animal research activities and animal clinical care in a laboratory setting with a variety of species. 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. SCOPE OF ROLE 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 development and evaluation of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May supervise, mentor, or coordinate 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. Applies entry level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Decision making occurs within defined parameters. Supervisor defines assignments, expectations, and deadlines. Supervisor may review work for quality. Demonstrates initiative and discretion to resolve routine and non-routine matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field of study related to the research of the clinical setting.
Prior clinical research experience preferred.
Prior experience working in a biological/life sciences laboratory.
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.

Responsibilities

Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health, collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health, reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, administer specific or prescribed animal treatments as required; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays, breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc. May require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.
May perform advanced laboratory research activities on variety of animals species such as: obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples, perform animal surgery, post-operative care, implantation or placement of medical devices, administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia, and perform euthanasia process. May participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects.
Perform technical procedures related to rodent/mice and aquatic/zebrafish species (e.g. facilitate animal breeding and perform prescribed Veterinary treatments); Conduct biochemical, molecular, cellular and genetic experiments; Handling of radioisotopes and chemicals; Perform independent laboratory analyses and maintain records of laboratory experimentation; Compile results for publications;
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.
May 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.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

retirement program
over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year
15 paid holidays
3 personal leave
unlimited accrual of sick time
comprehensive health insurance
professional learning and development programs
tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school
flexible work schedules
teleworking options (if applicable per job)