Laboratory Research Specialist
- Employer
- University of Maryland Baltimore
- Location
- Baltimore, MD
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health has an immediate opening for a Laboratory Research Specialist to perform molecular biology based analysis. The Laboratory Research Specialist will perform molecular based assays to detect and further characterize the infectious pathogens; interpret data/findings and report results; conduct quality control and quality assurance procedures to comply with state and federal clinical laboratory regulations (CLIA). This individual will assist with outbreak logistics (collection devices, mailing labels, shipping guidance, etc.) as needed; assist with special projects; write procedures and compile data for assay verification and other reports. This position is located at the State Lab Building on 1770 Ashland Ave. This is a contractual position and offers a generous benefits package that includes 10 vacation days, 11 personal and holidays, 5 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; and limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB. Essential Functions
- Receives and prepares clinical specimens for testing; performs molecular based techniques/analyses using automated instrumentation and/or manual procedures to identify anti-microbial resistance (AMR) genes and further genetic characterization of bacterial isolates demonstrating AMR.
- Interprets and reports the findings using specialized software and laboratory information management system (LIMS).
- Undertakes appropriate quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the reported test results; complies with state and federal clinical laboratory testing guidelines/regulations.
- Operates and maintains major equipment/instrumentation and work space required to perform the specialized molecular biology based techniques/ analyses.
- Trains others to use instrumentation and/or perform testing procedures.
- Monitors and requisitions materials and supplies necessary to perform required testing.
- Assists in the evaluation and implementation of new techniques/assays relevant to AMR testing; compiles data and prepares validation documentation.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in the Biological Sciences from an accredited university with at least one course in biochemistry and one course in molecular biology. All foreign degrees must be evaluated for US equivalency by a recognized US educational evaluation service as required by the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations. Master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of the required experience; Doctor of Philosophy may be substituted for 3 years of the required experience.
Experience: Three years of experience conducting molecular biology based laboratory testing. Preferred: Preference is given to applicants with experience testing clinical specimens and familiar with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) federal clinical laboratory guidelines. Experience in next-generation-sequencing platform is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of molecular biology based laboratory testing technologies.
- Ability to troubleshoot molecular technologies/assays.
- Knowledge and assurance of compliance issues related to laboratory activities.
- Knowledge of molecular biology based instrumentation/equipment.
- Skill operating sophisticated molecular biology based laboratory instrumentation.
- Ability to diagnose equipment/instrumentation malfunctions and implement necessary steps to correct problems with supervisor’s guidance.
- Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications.
- Ability to perform independently with general supervision.
- Skill using statistical software for data analysis, as well as spreadsheet and database software applications.
- Ability to apply professional and technical skills to contribute ideas/suggestions for evaluation of testing procedures.
- Ability to network with, and present information to key groups and individuals.
- Ability to complete special projects in addition to routine testing responsibilities.
- Ability to work well in a group setting and help coworkers when needed for continuity in laboratory operations.
- Ability to train personnel to use instrumentation or perform molecular based technologies/assays.
Job: Reg or CII Non-Exempt Staff
Shift: Day Job
Organization: School of Medicine - Epidemiology and Public Health
Job Posting: Apr 8, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing
Organization
Welcome to the Baltimore campus of the University of Maryland, founded in 1807 along a ridge in what was then called Baltimore Town. Today, this 61-acre research and technology complex encompasses 65 buildings in West Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. 
The University is Maryland's only public academic health, human services, and law center. Seven professional and graduate schools train the majority of the state's physicians, nurses, dentists, lawyers, social workers, and pharmacists.
Under the leadership of President Jay A. Perman, MD, the University is a leading partner in the redevelopment of the west side of Baltimore. The University of Maryland BioPark, which opened in October 2005, promotes collaborative research opportunities and bioscience innovation.
Sponsored research totaled $567.1 million in Fiscal Year 2010. With 6,349 students and 6,717 faculty members and staff, the University is an economic engine that returns more than $15 in economic activity for every $1 of state general funds appropriation. The University community gives more than 2 million hours a year in service to the public.
Mission
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the State¹s public health, law and human services university devoted to excellence in professional and graduate education, research, patient care, and public service. As a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and using state-of-the-art technological support, we educate leaders in health care delivery, biomedical science, global health, social work and the law. We emphasize interdisciplinary education and research in an atmosphere that explicitly values civility, diversity, collaboration, teamwork and accountability. By conducting internationally recognized research to cure disease and to improve the health, social functioning and just treatment of the people we serve, we foster economic development in the City, State, and nation. We are committed to ensuring that the knowledge we generate provides maximum benefit to society and directly enhances our various communities.
Campus Data
Go to the Office of Institutional Research and Accountability for complete campus facts.
Equal Opportunity
The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status or veteran's status to recruit, hire, compensate, train and promote employees and applicants for employment in all job levels with regard to their qualifications and without consideration to the aforementioned categories. Exceptions to this policy will be made only as allowed by law for example, due to bona fide occupational qualifications or lack of reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
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