Open Rank: Laboratory OR Lead, Laboratory Research Specialist

Job Description

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Center for Vaccine
Development and Global Health (CVD) brings together more than four
decades of innovative and life-saving research on vaccines and
infectious diseases.

The 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 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, 16 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.

Responsibilities

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 (DUTIES) 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.

PREFEERED 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.

About Us

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is Maryland’s public
health, law, and human services university. Six professional
schools and the interdisciplinary Graduate School confer the
majority of health care, human services, and law professional
degrees in Maryland each year.

Our goal is to support the University’s mission of education,
research, clinical care, and public service by amplifying UMB’s
voice as a thought and action leader, and to enhance goodwill in
the communities and people with whom we engage. 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.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce
and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national
origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or
mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or
any other legally protected classification.

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.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination
in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals
may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read
the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more
information.

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. Regular and contractual employee are eligible for a
comprehensive benefits package

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.