OPEN RANK: Laboratory Animal Research Assistant or Specialist

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is currently seeking a Laboratory Animal Research Assistant or Specialist to join the School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology. The position will be filled at a level commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications. The Laboratory Animal Research Assistant or Specialist 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.

 

 

PRIMARY DUTIES
 

For Assistant:
- 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.
- 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.

 

For Specialist:
- Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. Perform procedures utilizing specific skillsets or advanced treatments as dictated by the veterinarian in charge. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications.
- Independently perform day to day laboratory 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; 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.
- Performs laboratory animal support activities such as surgical, anesthesia, enrichment, diagnostics, good laboratory practice, internal-medical and biohazardous research and may contribute to the design of related activities.
- Administer day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring and advise on the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies including the identification of supply sources. Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components and explaining/resolving technical issues.
- Conduct library research and participates in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Contribute to the preparation of journal articles and grant proposals. Presents research findings.
- Prepare materials for research studies, including sample collection kits and research documents.
- Assist in the training of 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.