Research Assistant/Associate: Small and Large Animal Research Full-time

Research Assistant/Associate: Small and Large Animal Research

The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Medicine is seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Associate to support in vivo studies in small and large animal models. The successful candidate will perform survival surgical procedures, manage the laboratory’s breeding colonies and genotyping workflow, and support day-to-day animal research operations across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform survival and non-survival rodent surgery using aseptic technique, including ligation procedures such as coronary artery ligation for myocardial infarction models and orthotopic implantation surgeries, with anesthesia, analgesia, and postoperative monitoring and recovery.

• Support procedures in large animal models, including handling, restraint, sedation, dosing, sample collection, and perioperative care.

• Manage breeding colonies, including matings, weaning, animal identification, line maintenance, and colony records.

• Perform genotyping workflows, including tissue sampling, DNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and maintenance of genotyping records.

• Carry out routine in vivo procedures including injections by multiple routes, blood collection, oral gavage, tumor measurement, and health monitoring.

• Assist with terminal procedures, necropsy, and tissue collection, and support imaging and treatment sessions.

• Prepare and maintain IACUC protocols, ensure compliance with animal welfare requirements, coordinate with veterinary and facility staff and manage animal orders and census.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with rodent survival surgery and aseptic technique, including ligation procedures such as coronary artery ligation for myocardial infarction models and orthotopic implantation surgeries.

• Experience with breeding colony management and genotyping, including PCR and related molecular techniques.

• Experience handling large animal species in a research setting is highly desirable.

• AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) or Veterinary Technician licensure is a strong plus.

• Familiarity with IACUC protocol preparation and animal welfare regulations, including USDA covered species.

• Strong attention to detail and careful record keeping, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent studies and to work both independently and within a collaborative team.

Application: Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter outlining their research experience, interest in this position and contact information for three references to Dr. Nalinikanth Kotagiri at [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

Desired start date: January 2027

Tagged as: Life Sciences