Lead Laboratory Animal Research Specialist

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Pediatrics is seeking a Lead Laboratory Animal Research Specialist to join the Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis. The Lead Research Specialist is responsible for performing animal research activities and animal clinical care in a laboratory setting with a variety of species. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations, USDA, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Public Health Services (PHS), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), Association for assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines.

UMB offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to eligible employees. This position receives an annual leave package starting with 22 accrued vacation days, 14 floating and observed holidays, 15 sick days, and 3 personal days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; professional learning and development opportunities; flexible schedules and teleworking options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools. 

Primary Duties:

• Functions as a single specialist in a laboratory setting providing the highest technical expertise to research project(s). Follows and completes advanced pathways to provide an animal ‘whole body care’ as it applies to the area of specialty to achieve this job title. Ensures design, development, documentation and implementation of research procedures and protocols using a variety of complex activities.
• Independently performs laboratory maintenance and laboratory research activities required by the study(s). Leads the development and execution of project research studies. Performs procedures utilizing specific skillsets or advanced treatments as dictated by the veterinarian in charge. Revises studies, in consultation with upper management or principal investigator, to meet changing needs and requirements and enforces standards.
• Provides day-to-day laboratory operations oversight including monitoring and/or advising on the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures; ordering supplies general housekeeping; daily observations of animal health; collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays; breeding colonization processes; irradiation of blood products; and executing biochemical or hematopoietic procedures such as: bone marrow aspirations, complete blood count, white cell differential, electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, PCR and DNA extractions, etc.; and may require performing psychological enrichment of certain species. Identify and address issues and deficiencies and implements effective solutions.
• Performs laboratory animal support activities such as surgical, anesthesia, enrichment, diagnostics, good laboratory practice, internal-medical and biohazardous research and may contribute advanced support to the design of related activities.
• Assembles and assists with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets research data using various relevant computer software applications. Presents research findings.
• Conducts library research and prepares manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Prepares material for journal articles and grant proposals.
• Performs directorial duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; develops policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal science.
Experience: Five years of experience working with animals in a research laboratory setting or in an animal hospital, including three years in the relevant research specialization.
Other: May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of 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 the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

The Hiring Range for this position is in the low $70,000s to low $80,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at [email protected].

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 [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.