Mid-Atlantic HERC

The Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist or Lead Laboratory Research Specialist to join Dr.Pasetti's 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.***

Benefits: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Laboratory Research Specialist Primary Duties:

• Perform independent research projects and contribute to study design. Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental data using various relevant computer software applications (i.e., including GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, Microsoft Excel, Methodical Mind, R etc.)
• Independently execute immunological assays with precision, including ELISAs, multiplexed antibody assays (MSD, Luminex), ELISpot, and functional antibody assays to evaluate human immune response
• 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.
• Maintain rigorous quality control, review assay data critically, and ensure reproducibility of results.
• Organize, manage, review, and ensure the highest quality of assay data. Assure that all data is clean by following up on data discrepancies, missing information, and any required updates assigned by the sponsors.
• Isolate PBMCs from human samples and perform accurate cell counting.
• Conduct flow cytometry analyses for immune cell phenotyping and functional assays.
• Process biological samples for immunological testing, including aliquoting, reconstitution, and preparation of buffers/reagents.
• Document experimental procedures, record results accurately, and respond promptly to data queries.
• Perform routine laboratory housekeeping and manage supplies to support smooth operation of wet lab activities.
• 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.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, monitor functionality, and perform routine calibration/cleaning.
• Follow and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory techniques.
• Organize sample inventories, label study samples, and ensure proper storage and shipment of biological specimens.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist will perform all the above functions as well as the following:

• Independently develop, optimize, and qualify immunological assays (ELISA, multiplex assays, ELISpot, functional antibody assays, flow cytometry) for the testing of samples collected from human participants enrolled in clinical trials according to study requirements including necessary activities such as FDA submissions. Identify problems and lead the troubleshooting of assay procedures.
• Lead troubleshooting of complex assay procedures and implement process improvements to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and high-quality results.
• Maintain expertise in all routine and specialized wet lab techniques, ensuring independent and precise execution of experiments.
• Ensure proper documentation of all procedures and development processes. Maintain organization of documentation files, electronic and paper.
• Oversee and lead multiple concurrent research projects, tracking study progress, managing timelines, and ensuring deliverables meet sponsor requirements.
• Plan and schedule laboratory and administrative activities, generate detailed project budgets, and monitor spending to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Generate careful and detailed budgets for projects and monitor funding and spending.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies.
• Perform final data quality control and prepare large datasets for submission to sponsors, maintaining meticulous records of experimental procedures and assay development.
• 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.
• Supervise, instruct, and guide up to four direct reports. Including training of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral, international fellows, and/or junior technical personnel in the performance of a variety of laboratory techniques.
• Establish, revise, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure high-quality data generation and laboratory compliance.
• Conduct library research and prepares reports, manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication. Prepare material for journal articles and grant proposals. Present research findings.

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.

Preferred Experience:

Possess experience in routine cell culture and executing cell culture assays. Experience with cell-based toxin neutralization assays is a plus.

Knowledge of immunology and bacteriology.

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.
• Self-starting, motivated, goal-oriented, driven by desire to produce the best quality data and study deliverables. Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• 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.
• Skills in bacteriology and basic bacterial assays such as opsonophagocytic assay and bacterial titration/plate counting.
• 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 write reports and Standard Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are critical.
• Able to conduct bioanalytical method characterization.

Hiring Ranges: Commensurate with education and experience

Laboratory Research Specialist, Lead: $82,000 - $91,000

Laboratory Research Specialist: $64,000 - $71,000