Laboratory Research Specialist

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology
, is currently recruiting a Laboratory Research Specialist
.

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.

• Perform independent project(s) and participate in the design of research studies. Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications.
• Characterize interactions between reactive microglia, neurons, and extracellular matrix components using high-resolution confocal microscopy of fixed brain sections from prion-infected mice. This work will involve advanced image processing, quantitative analysis, visualization, and 3D reconstruction of cellular interactions.
• Perform time-lapse imaging of microglia–neuron interactions and Ca²⁺ transients in acute brain slices derived from prion-infected animals, followed by rigorous quantitative image analysis.
• The activities require specialized expertise in advanced imaging and computational analysis to extract biologically meaningful information from complex datasets. Prior experience with 3D confocal microscopy, Imaris, MATLAB, and Prism, as well as experience developing algorithms for phenotyping neurons and microglia based on immunofluorescent markers is highly desirable to meet the technical demands of the project and ensure efficient progress of the research program.
• A portion of the work will be conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory handling prion-infected materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

Three (3) years of experience including two (2) years in the relevant research specialization.

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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 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.

$64,000 - $75,000, 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…