Job Description

Laboratory Research Specialist (Public Health Laboratory Scientist)-(240001PY )

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine- Epidemiology and Public Health is seeking a contractual Laboratory Research Specialist (Public Health Laboratory Scientist).

This position will perform microbiology-based analyses within the
Maryland Department of Health Laboratories Administration division of public health microbiology for surveillance and special projects of various communicable diseases of interest to the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network. Responsibilities will include performing assays to detect and further characterize the infectious pathogens; interpreting data/findings and reporting results to federal, state, and local stakeholders; conducting quality control and quality assurance procedures to comply with state and federal clinical laboratory regulations (CLIA). Assist with program logistics (collection devices, mailing labels, shipping guidance, etc.) of the AR Lab Networks testing as needed; assist with special projects; writing procedures and compiling data for assay verification and other reports.

Program activities will be conducted in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other state health departments and public health laboratories within the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network's (AR Lab Network) Mid-Atlantic Region, and other federal, state and local partners. These program activities will complement the surveillance and outbreak investigation functions of the MDH Prevention and Health Promotion Administration's Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Outbreak Response Bureau, whose purpose is to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of communicable diseases in Maryland.

Benefits: Contingent Category II

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. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, 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; 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Receives and prepares clinical specimens for testing; performs microbiology-based techniques/ analyses using automated instrumentation and /or manual procedures to identify anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and/ or further characterize AMR bacterial isolates.
• Interprets and reports the findings using specialized software and laboratory 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 molecular biology 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; compiles data and prepares validation documentation.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Possess a bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences from an accredited university with at least one course in biochemistry and one course in microbiology or field of study related to the research of the laboratory. 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 biology 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.

Other : May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.

*Master's degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience; Doctor of Philosophy may be substituted for 2 years of the required experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of microbiology-based laboratory testing technologies such as MALDI ToF and drug susceptibility testing.
• Ability to troubleshoot technologies/assays.
• Knowledge and assurance of compliance issues related to laboratory activities.
• Knowledge of clinical microbiology based instrumentation/ equipment.
• Skill operating sophisticated clinical microbiology based laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to diagnose equipment/instrumentation malfunctions and take necessary steps to correct problems with supervisor's guidance.
• Ability to perform independently with general supervision.
• 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 molecular based technologies/assays.

Hiring Range: $62,000 - $69,000 ( Commensurate with education and experience)

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Talent Recruitment department at [email protected] .

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [email protected] . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. For more information, follow this link UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination .

Job

: Reg or CII Exempt Staff - E3305D

Employee Class Exempt Contingent II

Full Time/Part Time : Full-Time

Shift

: Day Job

Financial Disclosure : No

Organization

: School of Medicine - Epidemiology and Public Health

Job Posting

: Nov 26, 2024

Unposting Date

: Dec 14, 2024, 4:59:00 AM

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Part time, Local area, Flexible hours, Shift work,

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