Job Description Summary

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY STATEMENT

Position Overview and Key Responsibilities

The Ball Laboratory in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park, is currently seeking a Research Technician, with the payroll title of Faculty Assistant/Specialist. This one-year position offers recent college graduates a valuable opportunity to conduct research directly alongside the principal investigator and/or a postdoctoral fellow. We are seeking an individual who is eager to learn and driven to succeed.

Key responsibilities include assisting with various chemical neuroanatomical studies (e.g., immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization), aiding in surgical procedures, and supporting behavioral experiments focused on hearing and vocal production in birds. The role also encompasses animal care, supervising animal care workers, and general laboratory management. The successful candidate will have ample opportunity to learn and master the specialized techniques used within the lab.

ABOUT THE LAB
Dr. Ball's lab is interested in the interrelation of hormones, brain, and behavior. The lab studies a variety of avian species that exhibit high degrees of neuroplasticity in response to hormone treatment. These studies are designed to investigate both how hormones act in the brain to affect the learning and activation of behavior and how behavioral and other stimuli are processed by the brain to influence reproductive endocrine activity and the timing of seasonal reproduction.

Current research activities include:
(1) studies addressing how the neuroendocrine system integrates cues that regulate seasonal reproduction including photoperiod and supplementary factors that augment the photo-induction of gonadal growth, such as the perception of conspecific vocalizations; (2) investigations of seasonal brain changes and neural sex differences mediating bird song learning and production; (3) studies of the interaction between dopamine and the steroid metabolizing enzyme, aromatase, in relation to the activation of male reproduction behavior in quail.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor's Degree of Science in Neuroscience, Animal Science, Biology, Psychology, or a related field is required.

PREFERENCES
Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous animal research experience (especially being comfortable with working with birds) and significant experience in biology research.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Fine Motor Skills & Dexterity: Essential for precise tasks like immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, handling small instruments during surgical procedures, and accurately manipulating equipment for behavioral experiments.
• Standing & Mobility: The position often requires standing for extended periods while performing benchwork, assisting with surgeries, and conducting experiments. It also involves frequent walking around the lab and animal facilities.
• Lifting & Carrying: The ability to lift and carry supplies, equipment, and potentially animal cages is necessary for animal care and general laboratory management.
• Bending, Stooping, & Kneeling: These movements may be required for tasks such as cleaning cages, accessing equipment, or interacting with animals at various levels during animal care and lab upkeep.
• Visual Acuity: Critical for detailed work in neuroanatomical studies and monitoring experiments.
Occasional Weekend or Holiday Availability: Required for animal care responsibilities.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: NA

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

BSOS-Psychology

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$24,537 - $27,037 50%FTE

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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