Laboratory Research Assistant - Contractual

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is recruiting a Laboratory Research Assistant. Preference to candidates with expertise in the field of Molecular Biology. The job is located in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD.

The Lab uses multiple transgenic animal models (mouse, zebrafish), primary cells and established cell lines to study these mechanisms. Job duties include:

• May perform advanced laboratory research activities. May participate in the design of research studies. Careful attention to details. Accurate implementation of procedures and documentation of results.
• Biochemical/Molecular Biology techniques - Duties include performing cloning, western blot, qPCR, and PCR, RNA or DNA extraction, flow cytometry.
• Animal studies – Regular maintenance of animal colonies that include breeding, weaning, and genotyping of mice and zebrafish. Perform or assist animal experiments.
• Strict adherence to Federal, state and University animal handling policies and careful attention to details and procedures to maintain the zebrafish and mouse colonies.
• Perform other general laboratory duties (buffer preparation, protein sample aliquoting and stock maintenance, etc)
• Assist with literature research, written and oral reporting and maintenance of a laboratory notebook, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
• Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.
• Primary cell and cell line culture techniques- Expected to perform experiments that will require isolating, culturing, and treating cells. Follow sterile cell culture techniques and maintain clean working environment.

• Previous Experience: >5 years as a research technician in molecular and cellular biology if no higher education than bachelor’s degree.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory. Master or PhD degrees in related fields are highly desirable. Salary will be commensurate with title and experience.
• 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.

PREFERRED: Preference is given to applicants with Master or PhD or experience in molecular cellular biology and mouse or zebrafish animal research.