The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) brings together more than four decades of innovative and life-saving research on vaccines and infectious diseases. http:// www.medschool.umaryland.edu/cvd/ As an organized research center within the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), CVD comprises a multi-disciplinary team of faculty and staff whose primary mission is to develop, evaluate, and implement vaccines and other interventions to reduce illness and mortality domestically and in less developed countries. We work to prevent and treat enteric and respiratory diseases, to reduce the threat of malaria and antimicrobial resistance, and to identify, understand, and combat other tropic and emerging pathogens burdening low-resource settings. Training is a critical component of our work to ensure the foundation for the next generation of scientists and researchers committed to our mission.

The CVD is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist or Lead Laboratory Research Specialist to join Dr. Pasetti's Applied Immunology Laboratory.

The Laboratory Research Specialist position is eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus.
The Lead Laboratory Research Specialist position is eligible for a $4,000 sign-on bonus.
***Half will be paid following 30 days of satisfactory service at UMB, and half will be paid upon successful completion of probation. Current UMB employees are not eligible for the sign-on bonus.***

Benefits: Exempt Regular

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. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; 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.

Laboratory Research Specialist Primary Duties:

• Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications including GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, Microsoft Excel, etc.
  
• Independently perform ELISAs and multiplexed antibody assays (i.e. MSD, Luminex) with a high degree of precision to evaluate immune responses in samples collected from human volunteers enrolled in clinical trials. Independently perform other immunological assays (ELISpot), and measurement of antibody function.
  
• Assist with the development, optimization, and qualification of immunological assays for the testing of samples collected from human participants enrolled in clinical trials. Identify problems and collaborate on troubleshooting assay procedures.
  
• Analyze, organize, review, and interpret data collected from immunoassays. Critically evaluate research data and perform quality control.
  
• Organize, manage, review, and ensure the highest quality of assay data. Assure that all data is clean by following up on data discrepancies, missing information, and any required updates assigned by the sponsors.
  
• Promptly respond to any data queries.
  
• Independently perform day-to-day laboratory activities such as general housekeeping, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, processing biological samples, preparation of buffers and reagents, reconstituting and aliquoting of reagents, and thorough record keeping and documentation of activities.
  
• Shipping biological specimens, generate study-related sample labels, and play a significant role in archiving specimens and maintaining inventories in the laboratory. This is a critical function for which organization, timeliness, and consistency are of utmost importance.
  
• Actively participate in the establishment or revisions of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and multiple routine lab procedures.
  
• Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components, and explaining/resolving technical issues.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist will perform all the above functions as well as the following:

• Independently develop, optimize, and qualify immunological assays for the testing of samples collected from human participants enrolled in clinical trials according to study requirements including necessary activities such as FDA submissions. Identify problems and lead the troubleshooting of assay procedures.
  
• Ensure proper documentation of all procedures and development processes. Maintain organization of documentation files, electronic and paper.
  
• Oversee and lead concurrent projects. Simultaneously track the progress of each study and ensure projects are on target to meet deadlines. Plan and schedule laboratory and administrative activities to meet study timelines. Generate careful and detailed budgets for projects and monitor funding and spending.
  
• Supervise, instruct, and guide up to four direct reports.
  
• Perform final data quality control. Prepare large data sets for submission. Upload assay data generated by the laboratory from clinical study specimens to the sponsor's databases.
  
• Communicate with study sponsors and both internal and external collaborators. Act as a liaison and point of contact for study sponsors and collaborators, responding to logistical and technical questions.
  
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies.
  
• Conduct library research and prepares reports, manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication.
• Prepare material for journal articles and grant proposals. Present research findings.
  
• 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.

Laboratory Research Specialist:

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

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

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

May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist:

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience including three (3) years in the relevant research specialization.

Preferred Supervisory Experience: One (1) year of work coordination or training.

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

May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.
  
• Self-starting, motivated, goal-oriented, driven by desire to produce the best quality data and study deliverables. Excellent planning and organizational skills.
  
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Proficiency in using Excel, GraphPad Prism, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams and the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, programs, and analysis software as needed.
  
• Knowledge of immunology is required. Some knowledge of immunoassays, assay development, and clinical trials is needed.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to write reports and Standard Operating Procedures.
  
• Ability to meticulously generate and maintain study-related spreadsheets. These include inventories associated with various types of clinical samples and study data generated by the laboratory.
  
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are critical.
  
• Able to conduct bioanalytical method characterization.

Hiring Ranges: Commensurate with education and experience

Laboratory Research Specialist: $64,000 - $71,000

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist: $81,000 - $90,000

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 HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. 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.