Faculty Assistant

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a Faculty Assistant to support neural crest and placode studies in chick and mouse models. You will conduct research, train students, and help manage the laboratory of Dr.

Lisa Taneyhill, contributing to experimental design, data generation, analysis, and scholarly dissemination. The role requires strong organizational and lab management skills, experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, microscopy, and cell culture.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and prior laboratory research experience.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Lab skills include molecular biology, biochemistry assays, histology, microscopy, and cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to daily laboratory operations and safety compliance.
• Design and execute experiments focused on neural crest and placode development.
• Analyze data, generate figures, and contribute to scientific reporting.
• Maintain accurate and reproducible laboratory records.
• Assist with mouse handling, colony management, and related procedures.
• Collaborate with the PI and research team to advance project goals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Job description

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: A position is available immediately for a Faculty Assistant to contribute to our studies in neural crest and placode cells in chick and mouse models. The Faculty Assistant will conduct research, assist in the training of students, and take a lead role in the management of the laboratory of Dr. Lisa Taneyhill at the University of Maryland, College Park. The role requires active participation in experimental design, data generation and analysis, and scholarly dissemination. The successful candidate will operate within a dynamic research environment and contribute to advancing the lab’s scientific objectives. The role also requires strong organizational and lab management skills. For additional information, please visit: http://www.ansc.umd.edu/people/lisa-taneyhill

Responsibilities

• Contribute to daily laboratory operations, including organization, inventory, management, and compliance with safety protocols.
• Design and execute experiments focused on neural crest and placode cell development.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; contribute to figure generation and scientific reporting.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and reproducible laboratory records.
• Apply and maintain proficiency in relevant laboratory techniques (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, microscopy, cell culture).
• Assist with mouse handling, colony management, and related experimental procedures.
• Engage collaboratively with the PI and research team to advance project goals and timelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in a related field (e.g., cell biology, developmental biology) and prior laboratory research experience is essential.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Laboratory skills should include, but are not limited to, molecular biology and biochemistry assays, and tissue and cell culture.

Physical Demands

• This position requires the lifting and moving of moderately weighted goods (20-50 lbs., for example, Centrifuge Rotors) up to 25 feet, operating tissue culture cell tanks, and utilizing hazardous chemicals and compressed gases. While performing the duties within this job, the employee frequently is required to maneuver, handle, or feel objects, tools, or instrument controls.
• This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a microscope and other lab equipment as needed.
• Furthermore, the employee is regularly required to operate a computer.
• To operate specific lab equipment, the employee must utilize devices and make observations from diverse angles of perception: adjusting exploratory and imaging devices as needed.
• Employees may work in conditions with fluctuating temperatures, including spaces up to 83 F for extended periods.

Preferences

• Experience with microscopy and embryology is desirable.
• Experience with mouse handling and colony management is desirable.

Best Consideration Date: 11/7/2026 Posting Close Date: NA Open Until Filled: Yes Financial Disclosure Required No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000 Benefits Summary For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.