Research Assistant/Associate: Small and Large Animal Research

About this position

• 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 USDAcovered 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 NKotagiri@som.umaryland.edu

Desired start date: January 2027