Contractual Laboratory Research Specialist

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology is currently recruiting a Contractual Laboratory Research Specialist to conduct experiments uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction associated with aging and Alzheimer’s Disease in the laboratory of Drs. Fuwen Zhou and Adam Puche (shared lab) in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

This new 5‑year NIH supported project is aimed at investigating the olfactory function of adult, normal aging, and animal models of neurodegenerative disease in experiments spanning from the genome to cells, to circuits, and to behavior. Please submit a cover letter with your application that describes how your experience makes you a good fit for this job opportunity.

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.

• Perform patch clamp recording in slice (main duty)
• Perform in vivo single unit recordings
• Perform small animal stereotaxic surgeries
• Perform small animal behavioral testing
• Perform fiber photometry
• Conduct routine and advanced laboratory techniques, such as western blotting, immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging
• Data analysis using various relevant computer software applications
• Literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication

• Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications.
• Independently perform day‑to‑day laboratory research activities such as general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health; collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays; breeding colonization processes; irradiation of blood products; and executing biochemical or hematopoietic procedures such as bone marrow aspirations, complete blood count, white cell differential, electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, PCR and DNA extractions, etc.;
  
  and may require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.
• Administer day‑to‑day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies. Maintain proper operation of research equipment, ensuring proper operation records, cleaning, ordering of required components and explaining/resolving technical issues.
• Conduct library research and participate in editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Contribute to the preparation of journal articles and grant proposals. Present research findings.
• Prepare materials for research studies, including sample collection kits and research documents.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related field or discipline required.

Three (3) years of experience…