Laboratory Assistant Jobs

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is currently seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology serves as the academic home for basic scientists in the area of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), with the majority of such investigators holding either primary or secondary academic appointments in this department.

This position will support a project which studies how vaccines are able to trigger long term immunity using model organisms (mice and NHPs). Experience in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry techniques are preferred but not required. Research involves animal models. Collaboration with team of computational and bioinformatics researchers in the team is also likely, as may be required towards analysis of large bioinformatics data sets. However, no expertise in programming or computational analyses is required. Undergraduate students taking gap years after college with interest in research-based careers are encouraged to apply. The laboratory has a dynamic learning environment with lab meetings, journal clubs and opportunities to learn both theory and practice of Immunology. Opportunities for career development and employment progression of the laboratory assistant are available and can be discussed with the PI.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Logs specimens; labels tubes, bottles, and other containers and fills with specified solutions or materials as instructed.
• The technician will be trained to perform modern approaches for the analysis of immune cells including preparing samples for spectral flow cytometry, single-cell RNAseq, ATACseq and metabolomics.
• Operates and performs general housekeeping on laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, meters, microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, chromatographs, and chemical analysis instrumentation.
• Assist with routine laboratory maintenance and research activities, including operation and general housekeeping of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Sets up specimens, materials, and equipment.
• Maintains chemicals and equipment inventory.
• Cleans and sterilizes glassware; stocks shelves and drawers; separates and prepares laboratory materials for recycling.
• Raises, tends, or harvests non-mammalian specimens as instructed.

MINIMUM QUAFLICATIONS:

• Other: Except for qualifications established by law, 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 class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
• 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. Willingness to learn and motivation to be part of a research program are valued.
• Experience: Six months laboratory work experience.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform job.