Research Asistant

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

31d•$45,562 - $55,000

About The Position

The Research Assistant supports ongoing research projects by performing literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with the development of reports, publications, and presentations. This role helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of project data while contributing to the daily operations of the research team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of experience in research coordination.
Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
Knowledge of surveys, interviews, lab procedures, experiments, or fieldwork.
Skill in written and verbal communication for reporting and collaboration.
Skill in precision data entry, analysis, and documentation.
Skill in computational and problem-solving techniques.
Skill in maintaining research records, files, and data integrity.
Ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize workload.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, and fellow assistants.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields of study related to the research of the laboratory.
Hands-on experience with animal models to study pathogenesis and host immune responses.
Experience in advanced immunological methods such as multi-parameter flow cytometry.
Excellent communication skills and strong verbal, written and editing skills.

Responsibilities

Assist with data collection, including surveys, interviews, laboratory work, or field research.
Assist in data analysis using statistical software or qualitative methods, as appropriate.
Maintain accurate records of research activities, procedures, and results to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ensure compliance with institutional research protocols and ethical standards.
Coordinate scheduling of research participants and manage study logistics as needed.
Independently design, plan, and execute complex laboratory experiments in support of research objectives, including animal infection studies, animal monitoring and weighing, fungal cell culture, tissue collection and processing, flow cytometry sample preparation and staining, immunohistochemistry, colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
Oversee and manage transgenic and research mouse colonies by developing breeding strategies, coordinating weaning, genotyping, and colony maintenance, ensuring animal welfare compliance, maintaining accurate breeding records, and optimizing colony productivity to meet research needs.
Coordinate laboratory administrative and operational functions, including grant-related documentation, purchasing, invoice reconciliation, budget tracking, regulatory compliance, biosafety and laboratory safety programs, and implementation of institutional and funding agency requirements.
Direct laboratory inventory and equipment management by evaluating supply needs, procuring materials, monitoring expenditures, maintaining inventory systems, coordinating equipment maintenance and repairs, and ensuring uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Analyze experimental data, maintain comprehensive research records, prepare reports, and contribute to research presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications as appropriate.
Develop, implement, and improve laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), train and provide technical guidance to laboratory personnel, students, and trainees, and promote adherence to established research protocols and quality standards.
Exercise independent judgment in establishing priorities, resolving operational issues, and coordinating multiple concurrent research activities to support laboratory objectives.
Perform other professional responsibilities and research-related duties as assigned in support of the laboratory's scientific mission.