Laboratory Animal Research Assistant (Full-Time/Contractual 2)

UMB Department of Neurosurgery is seeking an Assistant for Laboratory Animal Research to support animal research activities and clinical care in the Hussain Lab, a NIH- and DoD-funded neuroscience laboratory focused on glymphatic biology, traumatic brain injury, and neuroimmunology. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations and applicable federal and institutional guidelines.

About the Department

The Department of Neurosurgery aims to excel and innovate in the clinical practice, science, and education in neurosurgery. Success is driven by team members who align with and demonstrate the department’s Core Values: Patients First, Together! Always Do the Right Thing, Leave It Better Than You Found It, and Drive to Discovery and Mastery.

About The Hussain Lab

The Hussain Lab operates within the Department of Neurosurgery and the University of Maryland–Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND). Led by Dr. Rashad Hussain, Ph.D., the lab is at the forefront of research on glymphatic system function, traumatic brain injury (TBI), glial biology, and neuro-regeneration. The lab’s work has been published in Nature, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain, and Journal of Neuroscience, and has opened new therapeutic directions in edema resolution after TBI, myelin repair, and brain metabolite clearance.

Current research areas include:

• Glymphatic and lymphatic dynamics in brain injury, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases
• Traumatic brain injury mechanisms, including cerebral edema and glymphatic impairment
• Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, linking environmental toxicants (e.g., ultrafine particles from burn pits, air pollution) to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
• Glial biology and remyelination, including androgen receptor-mediated repair
• Advanced imaging and experimental models, including high-resolution two-photon imaging, mini-2P systems, and in vivo CSF tracer dynamics

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities, including:
  • General housekeeping and daily observations of animal health
  • Collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health
  • Reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, and administering specific or prescribed animal treatments
  • Diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays
  • Breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions
  • Psychological enrichment of certain species
• Perform advanced laboratory research activities on a variety of animal species, including:
  • Obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples
  • Performing animal surgery and post-operative care
  • Implantation or placement of medical devices
  • Administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia
  • Performing euthanasia processes
• Participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects
• Compile and analyze research data using relevant computer software applications
• Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations, and computer graphics for publication
• Perform administrative duties such as:
  • Training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians
  • Assisting in developing policies, procedures, and/or methods for laboratory experimentation
  • Ordering supplies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or a field of study related to the animal sciences.

Certification/Licensure: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.

Additional related experience and formal education may substitute for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis, with 30 undergraduate college credits equivalent to one year of related experience. Only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted where specific requirements are established by law.

Skills

• Knowledge of position requirements and all applicable regulations and laws
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery

Benefits

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package for Contingent Category II staff, prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Benefits include:

• Over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, personal leave, 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
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job)

Pay

$52,000 - $58,000 per year (commensurate with education and experience)