Position Summary

The Walker Laboratory at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Research Specialist to support translational cancer biology research focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs), tumor microenvironment reprogramming, and breast cancer metastasis.

This position is ideal for an individual who enjoys both hands-on experimental work and scientific problem-solving in a collaborative and fast-paced research environment. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, workflow development, assay optimization, and laboratory operations while helping mentor and train students and junior trainees.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize molecular and cellular biology experiments
• Develop and improve experimental workflows, SOPs, and laboratory best practices to enhance reproducibility and efficiency
• Perform and interpret experiments involving extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cell culture, and related molecular techniques
• Analyze and organize experimental data and assist with generation of publication-quality figures and summaries
• Contribute intellectually to scientific discussions, experimental planning, and interpretation of results
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure proper organization of laboratory data and protocols
• Assist with laboratory management activities including reagent inventory, ordering, equipment maintenance, and coordination of shared resources
• Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and junior trainees in laboratory techniques and scientific reasoning
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and team-oriented laboratory culture
• Participate in manuscript preparation, presentations, and collaborative research activities as appropriate

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Prior laboratory research experience in academia, biotechnology, or industry
• Strong technical experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, troubleshoot experiments, and work independently
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Interest in translational cancer research, extracellular vesicle biology, tumor microenvironment research, or biomarker discovery preferred

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization
• qPCR and RNA analysis
• Western blotting and protein analysis
• Flow cytometry
• Mammalian cell culture
• Microscopy and imaging analysis
• Data analysis and figure preparation software

Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, proactive, collaborative, and motivated to help build and improve research workflows within a growing translational cancer biology laboratory. The laboratory values individuals who are thoughtful experimentalists, strong team players, and committed mentors who can contribute both technically and intellectually to the research program.