Job Description
The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Epidemiology and Public Health has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Laboratory Research Specialist to conduct applied research to develop new laboratory testing procedures, assay validations, assay verification, etc. for infectious disease agents related to infectious diseases, newly emerging infections and anti-microbial resistance at the State Public Health Laboratory as part of the Laboratories Administration's quality public health laboratory activities to promote, protect, and preserve the health and well-being of the people in Maryland from infectious/communicable diseases. This position will develop new assays in conjunction with the CDC federal programs for Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC/ACA), Emerging Infectious Disease Program (EIP) and Bioterrorism (BT) testing initiatives.  UMB offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to eligible employees. This is a contractual position that offers a generous leave package of 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 8 holidays, and 5 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development opportunities; and limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB.  UMB employees are strongly encouraged to follow all CDC recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Employees whose job duties require them to work in clinical settings or at clinical or field sites continue to be subject to the vaccine requirements of those sites. For additional information on protocols and exemptions, please visit the COVID-19 website. Essential Functions:  

1. Conducts scientifically based evaluations of new technologies and published laboratory procedures that potentially could be implemented into routine public health laboratory testing algorithms.
2. Performs applied research to develop new laboratory testing procedures that can be used to identify and characterize infectious agents of public health importance under the guidelines of the Division Chief / Laboratories Director.
3. Performs highly complex and specialized experimental/developmental assays, troubleshoots problems that arise during the performance of these assays using PCR, NGS, and other molecular biology methods
4. Assists lead public health scientists in validation and implementing newly developed testing procedures and techniques for routine public health testing applications. Conducts technical training of new techniques and procedures for the laboratory staff for routine laboratories testing
5. Designs experimental protocols needed to conduct applied research or evaluations under the direction of the Principal Developmental Scientist or Division Chief
6. Organizes and maintains daily experimental logbooks, compiles data and prepares experimental reports for review by the Division Chief or Principal Developmental Scientist
7. Operates and maintains complex, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. Conducts routine maintenance and makes minor repairs.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory required.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience working in a research/academic or diagnostics laboratory performing molecular biology testing on environmental, biological or multi-matrix, or human specimens. 

Preferred Qualifications:Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the Biological Sciences from an accredited university with at least one course in biochemistry and one course in molecular biology with two-three (2-3) years of experience in applied research and or diagnostics testing in infectious diseases. 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.  Experience in qPCR, whole-genome sequencing, infectious disease testing and diagnostics, and assay validation/assay verification using molecular biology techniques, qPCR, and next-generation-sequencing methodologies preferred.  Prior testing clinical specimens and familiarity with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) federal clinical laboratory guidelines in a BSL-2 and or BSL-3 laboratory is highly desirable.  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 - Epidemiology and Public Health
Job Posting: Jan 19, 2022
Unposting Date: Ongoing