University of Maryland Biological Science Research Assistant Vacancy
The University of Maryland, School of Medicine (UMSOM), Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) has an excellent opportunity for a Laboratory Research Assistant.
Formed in May 2007, the Institute for Genome Sciences is part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and is located on the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) Campus.
The Institute is lead by Interim Director Jacques Ravel, Ph.D. Members of the IGS team have helped to revolutionize genomic discoveries in medicine, agriculture, environmental science and biodefense. By applying genomic tools to clinical research, these investigators are creating new dynamics for understanding individual differences in our susceptibility to disease, for understanding the role of our bodies microorganisms in health and disease, and for exploring new personalized therapeutics.
Job Title: Laboratory Research Assistant – (230000LL)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a biological science. A degree in Microbiology is preferred.
Preferred Experience: Research conducted with microbial organisms is preferred.
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, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of molecular biology, microbiology, and aseptic technique is required
- General knowledge of wet laboratory procedures is required such as handling and disposal of biological specimens, use of equipment, documentation of methods and results, and maintaining a clean workspace
- Ability to perform basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR and DNA extraction
- Ability to perform basic microbiology techniques such as culture, gram staining, growth curves, etc.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are required
Working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel) and database systems. - Excellent time management skills.
Hiring Range: $44,500 – $48,000 (Commensurate with education and experience)
Primary Duties:
- Assist with ongoing studies by performing scientific experiments and technical procedures to produce accurate and reliable data for furthering research related to the vaginal microbiome.
- Perform routine molecular biology procedures such as but not limited to DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, and NGS library preparation using manual and automated techniques.
- Perform microbiology procedures such as bacterial culture and identification, antimicrobial assays and other functional assays for characterizing bacteria.
- Assist with sample pre-processing including sample QC, labeling, aliquoting, and storage.
- Perform independent research in consultation with supervisor and in collaboration with other lab technicians.
- Compile, analyze and interpret data using various relevant computer software applications and effectively communicate results.
- Maintain and organize sample inventory using database solutions.
- Assist with general upkeep of the laboratory including maintaining supply inventory.
- May participate in the design of research studies.
- May develop, optimize, and validate molecular biology and microbiology procedures.
- May conduct literature research and assist with preparation of manuscripts for publication.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
University of Maryland
