Job Description
The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant or Laboratory Research Specialist for the Division of Nephrology. Our faculty has expertise in all facets of kidney disease including management of acute and chronic kidney disease, dialysis management, genetic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, complicated hypertension management and electrolyte and acid base disorders. The Division participates in a large multi organ transplant program with services at both at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the VA.
The position will work under the direction of  Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Watnick, in the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) on a new project that seeks to understand the genetic basis of aneurysms in ADPKD.  The Assistant or Specialist will be responsible for a mouse colony and as part of the work will be doing genotyping and conducting mouse breeding experiments.
The duties will include isolating mouse tissues and primary cells for analysis, including histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis  The project may also prepare DNA samples from mice and human samples.  This position will interact closely with at least one post-doctoral fellow and an outside collaborator.
Benefits Information:
UMB offers a generous benefits package, which includes 22 vacation days, 14 floating and holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools. In the Fall of 2021, UMB will require all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be processed through Human Resources.
Laboratory Research Assistant Primary Duties:

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, wipe tests, ELISA assays, preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers; cultures and specimens; autoradiograms and photomicrographs, executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc.
• May perform advanced laboratory research activities such as: animal surgery, microscopy techniques, imaging techniques, recombinant DNA techniques, protein purification, and hybridizations, etc. May participate in the design of research studies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 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.
• 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.
• Administer day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies. 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 related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Laboratory Research Assistant Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.
Experience: Basic understanding of the use of scientific methods, procedures, and techniques and  gained through previous training and experience preferred.
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. Laboratory Research Specialist Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience with the use of scientific methods, procedures, theory, and techniques 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Uses basic understanding of theory behind experiments.
• Apply basic analytical skills to implement assigned projects, and to identify and troubleshoot situations needing special attention.
• Identify and troubleshoot situations needing special attention.
• Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Accountability, Civility, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, Leadership, and Knowledge.

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience
UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.  
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.

Job: Reg or CII Exempt Staff
Shift: Day Job
Organization: School of Medicine - Department of Medicine
Job Posting: Sep 24, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing