At CVD, our pursuit transcends research; we are on a mission to save lives and foster health equity. Established in 1974, our Center embodies the spirit of innovation, developing vaccines that address the world’s most pressing infectious diseases. With a robust legacy of over 100 U.S. patents, our global footprint extends from the labs of the University of Maryland to the farthest reaches of underserved populations. Our multidisciplinary approach tackles existing diseases and prepares us to combat emerging pathogens, ensuring a healthier future for all. Join us in our journey from discovery to global impact and be part of the vaccine revolution securing humanity’s well-being.

The CVD is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist or Lead Laboratory Research Specialist to join our 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.***

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. This position is required to be vaccinated against COVID−19. For additional information on protocols and exemptions, please visit the COVID-19 website.

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 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.

• 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.

• Organize, manage, review, and ensure the highest quality of assay data. Prepare large data sets for submission. Upload assay data generated by the laboratory from clinical study specimens to the sponsor’s databases. 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.

• Conduct literature research and participate in editing and preparing manuscripts, reports, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication. Contribute to the preparation of journal articles, grant proposals, and other research documents. Present research findings.

• Independently perform day-to-day laboratory research 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.

• Assist with 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.

• Assist during the experimentation process.

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

• 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.

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist will perform all of 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. Identify problems and lead the troubleshooting of assay procedures.

• 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.

• Assemble and assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Conduct library research and prepares manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Prepare material for journal articles and grant proposals.

Qualifications

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.

• 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 meticulously generate and maintain study-related spreadsheets. These include inventories associated with various types of clinical samples and study data generated by the laboratory. Ability to upload data generated by the laboratory and other information regarding specimens to the sponsor’s websites.

• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are critical.

• Able to conduct bioanalytical method characterization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.

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 Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,000.00 - $79,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Baltimore, MD 21201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Baltimore, MD 21201