Laboratory Research Assistant - Contractual

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 46,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Neurobiology at a leading university is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant to support research on psychiatric diseases. The role includes managing mouse colonies, conducting experiments, and data analysis. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Sick Time

Tuition Remission

Flexible Work Schedules

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• Laboratory rodent research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage mouse colony and perform genotyping.
• Conduct advanced laboratory research activities.
• Assist with ongoing experiments and maintain lab records.

Skills

Animal Care

Data Analysis

Statistical Interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience

Bachelor's degree in biology

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology

Bachelor's degree in psychology

Bachelor's degree in medical sciences

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

PCR

DNA Extraction

RNA Extraction

Matlab

C++

Java

Statistica

Job description

The Department of Neurobiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine is seeking a contractual Laboratory Research Assistant to investigate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms of psychiatric disease. The Research Assistant will be responsible for mouse colony management and genotyping, animal handling and training in behavioral tasks.

• This is a contractual position.***
  
  

Benefits (Contingent Category II)

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Perform advanced laboratory research activities such as stereotaxic rodent surgery to implant neurochemical or neurophysiological hardware. Prepare brain tissue for histology, lesion reconstruction, and recordings in awake behaving mice and rats to study the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and depression.
• Provide assistance in ongoing experiments including molecular biology, behavioral, or histology experiments to study the neurobiological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, maintaining lab records and logs, and ordering and stocking laboratory supplies using a University purchase card, preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers.
• May participate in the design of research studies.
• Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.
• Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

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

Experience: None required.

Preferred Experience: Laboratory rodent research experience and prior molecular biology experience including PCR and DNA or RNA extractions preferred. Experience programming in Matlab, C++, Java, or statistical analysis using Statistica or similar programs preferred.

Other: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Possesses a knowledge of laboratory requirements and able to perform position in compliance with all requirements, regulations, and laws. Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in both verbal and written communications. Ability and initiative to diagnose equipment malfunctions and repair computer/electronic equipment. Ability to use measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgments. Ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed and maintain awareness with trends and influences. Ability to assume personal responsibility for all outcomes. Skill in making effective and timely decisions. Skill in animal care and handling preferred.
• Ability to use a consultative approach to resolve issues in area of responsibility. Ability to write and present information in a clear and concise way. Ability to interpret and understand written information and is able to listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding. Skill in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software as well as spreadsheet and database software applications. Skill in the effective use of technology.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others on multifaceted projects and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others.
• Ability to interact pleasantly and positively with others in order to meet customer expectations.
• Ability to network with and provide information to key groups and individuals.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
  
  

Hiring Range: $46,350 - $51,000, Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

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

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

Job

Reg or CII Exempt Staff

Employee Class

Exempt Contingent II

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time

Shift

Day Job

Financial Disclosure

No

Organization

School of Medicine - Neurobiology

Job Posting

Apr 30, 2025

Unposting Date

May 20, 2025, 11:59:00 PM