The University of Maryland, Baltimore, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health has three openings for the position of Laboratory Research Specialist for the Division of Genomic Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes. These positions will perform microbiological-based analyses for surveillance and special projects for the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Responsibilities include performing microbiological and antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility-based assays, interpreting data and reporting results, conducting quality control and QA procedures, and assisting with outbreak logistics and special projects.
This position is located at the State Office building at 1770 Ashland Avenue.
These are contractual positions and receive a generous benefits package that includes 10 vacation days, 11 personal and holidays, 5 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; and limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB.
Essential Functions
Receives and prepares clinical specimens for testing; performs microbiological based techniques/ analyses using automated instrumentation and /or manual procedures to identify anti-microbial resistance (AMR) patterns and further biochemical characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates demonstrating AMR.
Interprets and reports the findings using specialized software and laboratory information management system (LIMS).
Undertakes appropriate quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the reported test results; complies with state and federal clinical laboratory testing guidelines/regulations.
Operates and maintains major equipment/ instrumentation and work space required to perform the specialized biochemical and antimicrobial based techniques/ analyses.
Trains other scientists to use instrumentation and/ or perform testing procedures.
Monitors and requisitions materials and supplies necessary to perform required testing.
Assists in the evaluation and implementation of new techniques/ assays relevant to AMR testing; compiles data and prepares validation documentation.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences from an accredited university with at least one course in biochemistry and one course in molecular biology. All foreign degrees must be evaluated for US equivalency by a recognized US educational evaluation service as required by the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience conducting microbiology based laboratory testing. Preference is given to applicants with experience testing clinical specimens and familiar with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) federal clinical laboratory guidelines.
Master's degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience; Doctor of Philosophy may be substituted for 3 years of the required experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of microbiological based laboratory testing technologies.
Ability to troubleshoot diagnostic microbiological technologies/assays.
Knowledge and assurance of compliance issues related to laboratory activities.
Knowledge of molecular biology based instrumentation/ equipment.
Ability to use and maintain a microscope with oil-immersion lenses.
Skill operating sophisticated diagnostic microbiology based laboratory instrumentation.
Ability to diagnose equipment/instrumentation malfunctions and implement necessary steps to correct problems with supervisor's guidance.
Ability to understand and utilize scientific/ medical terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications.
Ability to perform independently with general supervision.
Skill using statistical software for data analysis, as well as spreadsheet and database software applications.
Ability to apply professional and technical skills to contribute ideas/suggestions for evaluation of testing procedures.
Ability to network with, and present information to key groups and individuals.
Ability to complete special projects in addition to routine testing responsibilities.
Ability to work well in a group setting and help coworkers when needed for continuity in laboratory operations.
Ability to train personnel to use instrumentation or perform diagnostic microbiological based technologies/assays.
Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience.
If accommodations are needed, contact Staffing & Career Services at 410-706-2606, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm EST. Maryland Relay can be accessed by dialing 711 (in-state) or 1-800-735-2258.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Job: Reg or CII Non-Exempt Staff - E3305D
Employee Class Exempt Contingent II
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Organization: Epidemiology & Public Health
Job Posting: Apr 12, 2018
Unposting Date: May 13, 2018, 3:59:00 AM
Internal Number: 86761
About University of Maryland, Baltimore
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the State's public health, law and human services university devoted to excellence in professional and graduate education, research, patient care, and public service. As a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and using state-of-the-art technological support, we educate leaders in health care delivery, biomedical science, global health, social work and the law. We emphasize interdisciplinary education and research in an atmosphere that explicitly values civility, diversity, collaboration, teamwork and accountability. By conducting internationally recognized research to cure disease and to improve the health, social functioning and just treatment of the people we serve, we foster economic development in the City, State, and nation. We are committed to ensuring that the knowledge we generate provides maximum benefit to society and directly enhances our various communities.
