Laboratory Research Specialist OR Lead Laboratory Research Specialist

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. http:// www.medschool.umaryland.edu/cvd/ As an organized research center within the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), CVD comprises a multi-disciplinary team of faculty and staff whose primary mission is to develop, evaluate, and implement vaccines and other interventions to reduce illness and mortality domestically and in less developed countries. We work to prevent and treat enteric and respiratory diseases, to reduce the threat of malaria and antimicrobial resistance, and to identify, understand, and combat other tropic and emerging pathogens burdening low-resource settings. Training is a critical component of our work to ensure the foundation for the next generation of scientists and researchers committed to our mission.

Benefits: Exempt Regular 

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. 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, 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). 

The CVD is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist or Lead Laboratory Research Specialist to join our Applied Immunology Laboratory.

Employees whose job duties require them to work in clinical settings or at clinical or field sites continue to be subject to the vaccine requirements of those sites. This position is required to be vaccinated against COVID−19. For additional information on protocols and exemptions, please visit the COVID-19 website. 

Primary Duties:

Laboratory Research Specialist:

• Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. in reviewing documents pertinent to laboratory’s involvement and providing feedback on laboratory related activities. Provide feedback in development of clinical protocols and manual of procedures. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications. Author and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) and research study documents.
  
• Coordinate laboratory activities related to specimen handling, processing, shipment in support of clinical studies.
• Organize workload coordinating with clinic.
  
• Administer day-to-day laboratory operations and ensures quality control and safety compliance. Develop laboratory procedures related with coordination of handling of clinical specimens. Develop procedures and policies for efficient laboratory operations. Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components, and explaining/resolving technical issues.
  
• Independently organize schedule, perform day-to-day laboratory research activities, which include processing biological samples, evaluation of new procedures for specimen processing, maintaining inventory of human biological samples, preparation of buffers and reagents, general housekeeping, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, purchasing of laboratory material, and record keeping and documentation of activities.
  
• Coordinate the processing of human biological specimens collected from clinical trial participants. Collaborate with the research clinic to ensure timely transport, receipt, and processing of specimens according to study protocols. Employ high-level organizational and planning skills to coordinate the laboratory schedule. Track completion of goals and study milestones.
  
• Obtain, process, transport, and ship specimens to the appropriate laboratory according to established aseptic techniques and universal precautions and in compliance with institutional/governmental/ study sponsor policies.
  
• Coordinate and communicate directly with the principal investigator, clinical and laboratory staff, and sponsors to manage the operation and laboratory activities in support for clinical research studies. Responsible for ensuring optimum efficiency. Use evaluation techniques, originality, and ingenuity to resolve non-routine issues.
  
• Coordinate the collection and management of study data by developing data collection instruments, establishing and maintaining databases, and performing data quality checks. Develop and implement new processes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of data collection and evaluation. Track, report, and audit study data and regulatory study documentation. Respond to data queries in an accurate and efficient manner.
  
• Monitor activities to ensure compliance with protocols and all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional policies. Ensure accurate, timely and complete documentation of all processing, shipping, and other study-related activities performed in the lab. Assist in budget development, expenditure adherence, and maintenance of inventory on equipment and supplies.
  
• Guide and train laboratory staff who perform specimen processing and data entry and perform non-routine data analysis.
• Assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral, international fellows, and/or junior technical personnel in the performance of a variety of laboratory techniques.
  
• Develop and produce reports of study data for project staff and stakeholders. Analyze data and draw conclusions to make recommendations.
  
• Develop reports summarizing study deviations from protocol and communications with IRB, study sponsors, and study monitors. Identify problems and collaborate on troubleshooting procedures.
  
• Assist with the development and conduct of immunological assays for the testing of samples collected from human participants enrolled in clinical trials. Identify problems and collaborate on troubleshooting assay procedures.
  
• Effectively and professionally 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
  
• Order laboratory supplies and monitor spending.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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

• Oversee and lead concurrent projects. Simultaneously track the progress of each study and ensure projects are on target to meet deadlines. Plan and schedule laboratory and administrative activities to meet study timelines. 
  
• Supervise, instruct, and guide up to four direct reports.
  
• Conduct work independently and efficiently. Assist with grant applications. Participate in leadership activities. 
  
• Assist in preparation of budgets for projects, oversee laboratory purchases, monitor spending.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Laboratory Research Specialist: 

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry 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, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

Experience: Five (5) years' experience in laboratory research including three (3) 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.
 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws,
  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.
  
• Knowledge of immunology is required. 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 meticulously generate and maintain study-related spreadsheets. These include inventories associated with various types of clinical samples and study data generated by the laboratory. Ability to upload data generated by the laboratory and other information regarding specimens to the sponsor’s websites.
  
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking and troubleshooting skills are critical.
  

Hiring Ranges: Commensurate with education and experience 

Laboratory Research Specialist: $57,000 - $67,000

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist: $70,000 - $81,000

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.