Research Assistant, Laboratory

About The Team

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (SOM) was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world. SOM is dedicated to providing excellence in biomedical education, basic and clinical research, quality patient care and service to improve the health of the citizens of Maryland and beyond.

The Division of Thoracic Surgery in the University of Maryland Department of Surgery is recruiting a Contractual Laboratory Research Assistant to join its dynamic team. The division is nationally recognized for developing innovative treatments for disorders of the chest's structures and organs, particularly the lungs and esophagus. The division's research lab supports multiple basic, translational, and patient-directed clinical trials exploring lung transplantation and lung cancer, as well as novel ways to improve patient care.

About The Role

The Laboratory Research Assistant will perform routine and advanced laboratory research activities, compile and analyze research data, assist with publications, and perform administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities:
• General housekeeping
• Wipe tests
• ELISA assays
• Preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers
• Cultures and specimens
• Autoradiograms and photomicrographs
• Executing biochemical procedures: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions
• May perform advanced laboratory research activities:
• Animal surgery
• Microscopy techniques
• Imaging techniques
• Recombinant DNA techniques
• Protein purification
• Hybridization
• 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:
• Training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians
• Assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation
• Ordering supplies
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a field of study related to the research of the laboratory.
• Preferred Skills:
• Protein expression in bacteria including:
• Cloning of plasmid expression vector
• Transformation
• Induction of the protein of interest
• Purification of the target protein
• Molecular biology techniques: Gel electrophoresis, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA.
• Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job may be substituted for the education or experience requirement.

Qualifications

• Accomplishes responsibilities by applying specialized and theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline.
• Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking.
• Contributes to development and evaluation of goals and objectives.
• Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance.
• May supervise, mentor, or coordinate work of others.
• May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources.
• Applies entry level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills.
• Decision making occurs within defined parameters.
• Demonstrates initiative and discretion to resolve routine and non-routine matters.
• Knowledge of position requirements, 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 UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.