Research Laboratory Associate*

SierTeK proudly serves clients by providing expertise in Program Management, Information Technology, and Administrative Support. Founded in 2007 as a minority and service-disabled veteran-owned company, we serve as prime- and subcontractor for Federal Department of Defense contracts, delivering services with integrity and a focus on continual improvement.

About the role

The Research Laboratory Associate supports the U.S. Air Force's biomedical research program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) by providing laboratory, veterinary, and research support for studies involving large and small animal models. This role performs laboratory operations, assists with research protocol development, supports surgical and veterinary procedures, ensures regulatory compliance, and contributes to scientific data collection, reporting, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day laboratory operations with minimal supervision while supporting multiple concurrent research projects.
• Assist with the development of animal research protocols, study procedures, and research standards.
• Support preparation and submission of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols and regulatory documentation.
• Assist program managers with cost proposals, equipment planning, quarterly reports, and administrative activities.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document research data; assist with preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant submissions.
• Provide veterinary care for research animals, including medication administration, health monitoring, clinical observations, and detailed recordkeeping.
• Perform routine pre-operative and post-operative animal care.
• Conduct standardized laboratory testing and accurately document findings.
• Assist veterinary and medical personnel during surgical procedures and operation of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Perform technical procedures including anesthesia administration, catheter placement, intravenous injections, arterial line placement, tissue collection, and medication dosing.
• Maintain inventories of laboratory supplies, medications, and controlled substances in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations, laboratory safety standards, and research protocols.

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Zoology, Veterinary Technology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum three (3) years of research laboratory experience with demonstrated ability to independently manage research studies.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with large animal research models (swine and/or sheep).
• Experience performing:
  • Animal anesthesia
  • Catheter placement
  • Intravenous injections
  • Arterial line placement
  • Surgical assistance and tissue harvesting
  • Medication administration and dosing
  • Animal handling and veterinary care
• Experience collaborating with veterinarians and research investigators to prepare and conduct experiments.
• Working knowledge of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) regulations and laboratory animal welfare requirements.
• Experience following laboratory safety procedures and regulatory standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while supporting multiple research projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline.
• Professional certification such as:
  • American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
• Experience with small animal research models (mice, rats, rabbits, etc.).
• Experience preparing and submitting IACUC protocols and amendments.
• Experience supporting multiple laboratory facilities simultaneously.
• Experience developing research figures, charts, and data presentations.
• Experience assisting with scientific publications or grant preparation.