Laboratory Research Specialist

The Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) invites applications for a Laboratory Research Specialist to join the Applied Immunology Group. This role supports daily laboratory operations in the sample processing laboratory and ensures efficient specimen handling, data management, and regulatory compliance. A successful candidate will demonstrate a history of working on tasks which are varied and complex along with excellent attention to detail in a laboratory environment.

Benefits:
Exempt Regular
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. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) 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).

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

• Receive, accession, process, and ship human laboratory specimens in support of clinical studies.
• Maintain compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Manual of Protocols (MOPs), federal guidelines/regulations, and laboratory safety standards.
• Perform data entry, storage, and retrieval of specimen information in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Maintain organized laboratory documentation and records according to ALCOA+ guidelines.
• Contribute to the writing, review, and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and forms.
• Prepare laboratory buffers and reagents.
• Assist in reagent/supply inventory and ordering.
• Support tissue and cell-based laboratory procedures, when applicable.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
• Assist in research project planning by monitoring established project timeline.
• Assist with development and recommendation of processing procedures.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance such as maintenance of lab equipment, general housekeeping, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

Preferred Experience

• 2-3 years with specimen processing in a clinical setting.
• Experience working in regulated laboratories (i.e., CLIA, CAP, GLP, GMP).
• Experience in PBMC isolation and/or mammalian cell culture.
• 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, 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.

Hiring Range: $66,000 - $72,000, 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…