Location: Baltimore,MD, USA
The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine Department of Neurology is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant for its Multiple Sclerosis Division. The Laboratory Assistant will assist in projects related to adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT), optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and other retinal imaging methods. This will include image acquisition, processing and manipulation, and data analysis. The laboratory of Dr. Daniel Harrison at the University of Maryland is collaborating with the laboratories of Drs. Zhuolin Liu and Daniel X. Hammer at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform clinically oriented research projects related to the use of this technology to better understand and monitor the pathology of multiple sclerosis. The candidate will participate directly in this collaboration. More specifically, the candidate will be expected to: conduct human imaging in healthy and diseased eyes, perform data collection, processing, analysis and presentation, upgrade and maintain AO imaging devices, and assess imaging quality and performance of AO-enhanced ophthalmic devices. The candidate will also perform work on data processing and analysis for images acquired using more conventional, clinical-grade OCT and SLO imagers and may be asked to develop novel processing and analysis approaches, algorithms, and software as they apply to both conventional and AO-enhanced OCT and SLO.
The candidate will become an active member of the neuro-imaging lab of Dr. Daniel Harrison at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in addition to working directly in the AO imaging laboratory at the FDA campus (Federal Research Center at White Oak, Silver Spring, Maryland) through a volunteer position at the FDA. Thus, time will be split between the two campuses. The well-equipped FDA lab contains several different AO and OCT imagers and are an ideal work environment for those looking to make an impact on public health and to accelerate the translation of AO imaging technology to wide-spread clinical use. The candidate may also be asked to participate in other research projects occurring in the laboratory of Dr. Harrison, including, but not limited to projects involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The Department of Neurology provides evaluation, treatment, and care for patients suffering from a wide range of neurological disorders including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and migraine. A number of departmental faculty received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Veteran's Administration to study the role of genetics in stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, new brain imaging modalities in multiple sclerosis, biomarkers in multiple sclerosis, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disability.
Benefits:
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, 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 data acquisition utilizing novel imaging technology.
* Upgrade and maintain image acquisition devices.
* Perform manual, semi-automated, and automated medical image annotation, segmentation and associated analyses utilizing state of the art medical image analysis software.
* Perform basic and complex processing of medical image files, involving use of or development of computer code and scripting methods.
* Coordinate with other members of the research team to accomplish projects related to the above. Utilize the most effective method of data collection and coding. Check validity and accuracy of data ensuring compliance with quality control requirements.
* Compile and analyze data for research programs. Coordinate and maintains data reports and database files on progress of programs, studies, and/or projects. May receive, inventory, enter, and organize collected data.
* Prepare and present reports for presentation or submittal to sponsoring agent.
* Perform searches to generate standard and customized reports using statistical applications. Summarize results of searches.
* Assist in the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and proposals by providing and presenting statistical information as tables, charts, or graphs.
* Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, wipe tests, ELISA assays, preparing solutions, media, stains, and buffers; cultures and specimens; autoradiograms and photomicrographs, executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc.
* Perform advanced laboratory research activities such as: microscopy techniques, imaging techniques, recombinant DNA techniques, protein purification, and hybridizations, etc. May participate in the design of research studies.
* Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
* Perform professional and administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory personnel; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
It is anticipated that this position will be classified as nonexempt and eligible for overtime pursuant to changes to the regulations applicable to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) expected to be effective on January 1, 2025. However, if there is an injunction or other legal action that results in the Department of Labor not implementing the new FLSA regulations, this position may be reclassified to be exempted from overtime eligibility. This determination is solely within the University's discretion.
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.
Experience: Prior experience in laboratory environment preferred. Consideration may be given for a unique combination of education and biology or chemistry experience, such as: - Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field with at least 18 credits in a field related to the research in a laboratory, as appropriate, or - Bachelor's degree in unrelated field with at least one (1) year of laboratory experience, as appropriate. Experience in medical processing or analysis or experience or exposure to neuroanatomy or ocular anatomy is preferred. Experience with computational methods, coding, scripting, software utilization, and software development is preferred. Experience with retinal or optical imaging is preferred.
Other: A unique combination of education and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications. Ability to understand and apply approved guidelines of varying research protocols. Knowledge of best practice in research protocols and procedures. Ability to use measurable and verifiable information for making decisions or judgements. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Ability to use a consultative approach to resolve issues in area of responsibility. Ability to gain knowledge and meet the reporting needs of the university's policies and practices for Institutional Review, Human Protections, Animal Protections and other the like. Ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed and maintain awareness with trends and influences. Assume personal responsibility for all outcomes; makes effective and timely decisions; and learns how to effectively use technology. Skill in various interviewing techniques. Skill in data abstraction and entry into study specific database software applications. Skill in statistical interpretation and data analysis using statistical software as well as spreadsheet and database software applications. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Writes and presents information in a clear and concise way. Interprets and understands written information and is able to listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding. Ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects and information obtained. Ability to network with, and provide information to key groups and individuals. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others. Capable of interacting pleasantly and positively with other to meet customer expectations, and provide follow up with customers. Existing knowledge of or ability to learn and retain knowledge of neuroanatomy and ocular anatomy. Existing knowledge of or ability to learn and retain knowledge of medical image analysis techniques, utilization of medical image analysis software, and computational methods and coding related to medical image processing and analysis. Ability to understand and utilize scientific/medical terminology and research theory in both oral and written communications.
Hiring Range: $47,000-$53,000; 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 ...@umaryland.edu.
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 ...@umaryland.edu. 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.