Laboratory Research Specialist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Aid 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.
• Aid in 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of position requirements.
• Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.
• Skills 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.

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).