Contractual Laboratory Research Assistant or Specialist

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, is currently recruiting a Contractual Laboratory Research Assistant or Specialist.

The position is immediately available in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore. This NIH supported project (PIs Fuwen Zhou and Adam Puche) is aimed at investigating the olfactory function of adult, normal aging, and animal models of neurodegenerative disease in experiments spanning from the genome to cells, to circuits, and to behavior using electrophysiological (including in vivo and in vitro), optogentical, chemogenetical, fiber photometry, multiphoton imaging, immunohistochemical, molecular biological (e.g., single cell PCR), pharmacological and genetic manipulation (knockdown and overexpression), stereotaxic and behavioral techniques.

We are looking for someone who has experience with in vitro or in vivo electrophysiology, or who is willing to learn electrophysiology.  This position has funding available for at least four years.

Benefits: Contingent Category II 

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. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; 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:

Laboratory Research Assistant:

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, such as general housekeeping and preparing solutions.

• Perform advanced laboratory research activities under PI supervision, such as patch clamp recording in slices (main duty), small animal stereotaxic surgeries, behavioral testing, RNAscope, western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal imaging.

• Analyzing research data using various relevant computer software applications under PI supervision.

• Assist with literature research, manuscripts preparation for publication.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Primary Duties:

Laboratory Research Specialist:

• Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies.

• Independently perform day-to-day laboratory research activities, such as patch clamp recording in slices (main duty), small animal stereotaxic surgeries, behavioral testing, RNAscope, western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal imaging.

• Conduct literature research, participate in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication and presents research findings.

• Administer day-to-day laboratory operations including ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies; maintaining proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components and explaining/resolving technical issues.

• Train undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral, international fellows, and/or junior technical personnel in the performance of a variety of laboratory techniques.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

   

Laboratory Research Assistant Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field or discipline required.

Experience: N/A

Supervisory Experience: N/A

Certification/Licensure: N/A

Other: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Laboratory Research Specialist Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field or discipline required.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.

Supervisory Experience: NA

Certification/Licensure: NA

Other: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Preferred Experience:

Electrophysiology (patch clamp recording in slices), and/or mammalian olfactory neuroscience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Previous experience working with mice is required. Ability to sit for long periods of time (sessions of 4 hours or less) with sustained focus, head or body tilted forward, is required to perform benchwork and small animal surgery. Ability to stay in a dark room for several hours (sessions of 4 hours or less) at a time is required to perform microscopy or small animal behavioral testing. The ability to lift 25 pounds and climb a stepstool is required for reaching/stocking supplies. Basic computer skills as well as experience with Microsoft Office. Ability to converse fluently (verbal and written) in the standard international research language (English).

Hiring Ranges (Commensurate with education and experience):

Laboratory Research Assistant: $49,500 - $52,000

Laboratory Research Specialist: $66,000 - $73,000

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. 

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [email protected]   Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.