Laboratory Animal Research Assistant (Full-Time/Contractual C2)

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Neurosurgery is currently seeking an Assistant, Laboratory Animal Research. The selected candidate will support animal research activities and animal clinical care in the Hussain Lab, a NIH- and DoD-funded neuroscience laboratory focused on glymphatic biology, traumatic brain injury, and neuroimmunology. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations and applicable federal and institutional guidelines.

The Department of Neurosurgery aims to excel and innovate in the clinical practice, science, and education in neurosurgery. We seek to achieve this by creating a platform and culture whereby all team members contribute to this mission and reach their full capacity for impact and fulfillment. Critical to our success is each team member’s alignment and demonstration of our Core Values:

•     Patients First, Together!

•     Always Do the Right Thing

•     Leave It Better Than You Found It

•     Drive to Discovery and Mastery

ABOUT THE HUSSAIN LAB

The Hussain Lab operates within the Department of Neurosurgery and the University of Maryland–Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND). Led by Dr. Rashad Hussain, Ph.D., the lab is at the forefront of research on glymphatic system function, traumatic brain injury (TBI), glial biology, and neuro-regeneration. The lab’s work has been published in Nature, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain, and Journal of Neuroscience, and has opened new therapeutic directions in edema resolution after TBI, myelin repair, and brain metabolite clearance. Current research areas include:

•  Glymphatic and lymphatic dynamics in brain injury, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases

•  Traumatic brain injury mechanisms, including cerebral edema and glymphatic impairment

•  Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, linking environmental toxicants (e.g., ultrafine particles from burn pits, air pollution) to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

•  Glial biology and remyelination, including androgen receptor-mediated repair

•  Advanced imaging and experimental models, including high-resolution two-photon imaging, mini-2P systems, and in vivo CSF tracer dynamics
 

BENEFITS (Contractual/C2 Employee):

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, personal leave, 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
•  Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health, collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health, reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, administer specific or prescribed animal treatments as required; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays, breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc. May require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.

•  May perform advanced laboratory research activities on a variety of animal species such as: obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples; perform animal surgery; post-operative care; implantation or placement of medical devices; administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia; and perform euthanasia process. May participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects.

•  Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.

•  Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.

•  May perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.

•  Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal sciences.
Experience: N/A
Supervisory Experience: N/A
Certification/Licensure: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required, only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
•    Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill 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.

Salary Range: $52,000 - $58,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

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. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.