Electron Microscopy Lab Research Assistant, Specialist or Lead Specialist - ( 230000MG )

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Office of Research Administration is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant, Laboratory Research Specialist, or Laboratory Research Specialist Lead.

The Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility (EMCIF) provides electron microscopy research and imaging services to anyone, academic or private users.

UMB offers exempt regular staff receives a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time, comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission.

Laboratory Research Assistant

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities: general housekeeping, preparing solutions, chemically processing biological specimens for the electron microscopes, operation of all additional sample preparation equipment, operation of electron microscopes, and ultrathin sectioning of resin-embedded samples.
• Follow established laboratory protocols for sample preparation accurately and carefully.
• Perform regular maintenance and equipment upkeep.
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations including ensuring quality control of samples and imaging, maintaining safety compliance, and maintenance of databases.
• Perform administrative duties such as training and guiding students and users on protocol execution and instrument operation; assisting in developing policies, procedures, and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
• Responsible for a clean and organized laboratory.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with hazardous chemicals.
• Attention to detail for sample labeling, sample records, timely entry of data into the user database, and accurate recording of work performed for billing invoices.
• Customer/user interaction for project meetings, sample preparations, microscope imaging, and training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain proper functioning of instrumentation daily for user operation, and ensure accurate and up-to-date operation records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Laboratory Research Specialist

• Sample preparation for transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Sectioning of resin-embedded samples with an ultramicrotome.
• Operation of the TEM and SEM as well as ancillary equipment for sample preparation.
• Preparation of buffers, laboratory solutions, and reagents following established formulas and procedures.
• Develop new laboratory workflows for new samples and techniques as applicable.
• Accurately and carefully follow established procedures for samples and instrumentation.
• Prepare and review standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations including ensuring quality control of samples and imaging, maintaining safety compliance, maintenance of databases, and general laboratory housekeeping tasks.
• Responsible for a clean and organized laboratory.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with hazardous chemicals.
• Attention to detail for sample labeling, sample records, timely entry of data into the user database, and accurate recording of work performed for billing invoices.
• Customer/user interaction for project meetings, sample preparations, microscope imaging, and training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain proper functioning of instrumentation daily for user operation, ensure accurate and up-to-date operation records, and perform routine maintenance.
• Perform other related duties.

Laboratory Research Specialist Lead

• Proficiency in all aspects of sample processing, ultramicrotomy, and electron microscope operation (scanning and transmission).
• Lead coordination of laboratory staff for sample preparation and imaging to provide a fast-turnaround time for user projects.
• Provide day-to-day laboratory operations oversight including monitoring the sample intake and processing, ensuring quality control of images, safety compliance for chemical handling, and tracking inventory of supplies.
• Identify and address issues and deficiencies and implements effective solutions.
• Maintain a database of samples.
• Lead the development of new workflows and protocols for sample preparation and laboratory tasks. Prepare SOP documents.
• Lead the training of users for sample preparation for electron microscopes as well as instrument training.
• Monitor the performance of the equipment and microscopes to ensure maximum uptime for maximum availability for operation and use.
• Customer service/user interaction is a large part of this role for project meetings, sample preparations, microscope imaging, and training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail is a must for the smooth operation of the complex environment in a lab that performs electron microscopy as a service to others.
• Supervise the work of other staff and users in the Core lab.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Laboratory Research Assistant

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or relevant field of study.

Preferred Certification/Licensure: Electron Microscopy degree or certificate from an accredited community college or college. OR certification from the Microscopy Society of America.

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.

Laboratory Research Specialist

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or relevant field of study.

Experience: Three years of experience including years in EM.

Preferred experience: Experience with sample preparation for EM and ultramicrotomy is preferred.

Preferred Certification/Licensure: Electron Microscopy degree or certificate from an accredited community college or college. OR certification from the Microscopy Society of America.

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

Laboratory Research Specialist Lead

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or relevant field of study.

Experience: Five years of experience in a laboratory setting including three years in electron microscopy. Experience with sample preparation for EM and ultramicrotomy is preferred.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic EM, both scanning and transmission (SEM and TEM).
• Knowledge of biological sample preparation techniques for electron microscopy.
• Skill in laboratory techniques including pipetting, solution preparation, and handling hazardous materials.
• Skill in performing ultramicrotomy of resin-embedded samples.
• Skill in the operation of electron microscopes.
• Ability to intake, record, and process samples from users (labeling, recordkeeping, and database).
• Ability to work independently processing samples into the resin.
• Ability to work in a team environment with changing projects and priorities.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with staff, PIs, collaborators, and students.
• Ability to provide training to users on protocols and instrument operation.
• Ability to accurately follow protocols.
• Ability to safely perform all laboratory tasks.
• 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.

Laboratory Research Assistant $44,000-$49,000

Laboratory Research Specialist $56,500-$63,000

Lead Laboratory Research Specialist $64,000-$73,000