The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is expanding its clinical research capabilities within one of the nation’s most active organ transplant hubs. The Division of Transplant Surgery is currently seeking a Clinical Research Specialist in Baltimore, MD, to join a team tasked with managing a high-volume portfolio of studies spanning heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation.
This role is positioned at the intersection of patient care and scientific discovery. As one of only two transplant centers serving a population of more than 5 million people in Maryland, the center operates at a scale that requires rigorous data stewardship and precise coordination. The specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day operational health of multiple research studies, ensuring that the transition from laboratory discovery to clinical management guidelines remains seamless, and compliant.
The scope of the work is defined by the sheer volume of the center’s clinical activity. The facility performs more than 400 transplants annually and manages a massive longitudinal dataset, following more than 4,800 patients who have undergone transplantation over the last 20 years. With over 1,500 new patient referrals each year and 1,400 individuals currently on waiting lists, the need for a specialist who can balance technical data analysis with direct patient interfacing is critical to the center’s mission.
The Technical Architecture of Transplant Research
The role is not merely administrative. it requires a deep dive into the technical and regulatory frameworks that govern modern medicine. The specialist will act as a primary technical expert, developing and implementing policies for clinical research and creating the protocol manuals and data collection instruments necessary for valid scientific outcomes.
A significant portion of the position involves navigating the complexities of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ensuring strict adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This regulatory oversight is paired with a heavy emphasis on data science. The successful candidate will be expected to perform advanced data analysis using statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, and R, ensuring that the data collected is not only accurate but clinically relevant.
Beyond the software, the specialist manages the human element of research. This includes the delicate process of eligibility screening, recruitment, and enrollment, as well as securing and documenting informed consent. The role may similarly involve the collection of tissue and blood samples, as well as conducting patient interviews and reviewing medical charts to build comprehensive research profiles.
Clinical Volume and Patient Reach
To understand the environment of this role, one must look at the specific throughput of the University of Maryland transplant program. The center’s ability to translate research into practice is fueled by its diverse case load.
| Organ Type | Approximate Annual Transplants |
|---|---|
| Kidneys | 300 |
| Livers | 80 |
| Thoracic (Heart/Lung) | 45 |
| Pancreas | 20 |
Operational Stewardship and Professional Growth
The specialist serves as a vital liaison between the Division of Transplant Surgery and various external stakeholders, including government agencies, product representatives, and other university departments. This involves not only the scientific side of the house but also the operational side, including budget monitoring, negotiation, and the submission of invoicing.
For those looking to advance in the field of academic medicine, the position offers a pathway toward higher-level research contributions. The specialist is encouraged to search relevant literature, draw conclusions from research findings, and contribute to the writing of journal articles and grant proposals. The role includes a mentorship component, providing training to less experienced researchers and assisting in the development of abstracts and manuscripts for presentation.
The compensation for this full-time, exempt regular position ranges from $64,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s education and experience. As a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, UMB provides a comprehensive benefits package. This includes over four weeks of accrued vacation annually, 16 paid holidays, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
Candidate Requirements and Qualifications
The university has established strict minimum qualifications to ensure the integrity of its research. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field related to clinical research. In terms of professional experience, the center requires at least three years of clinical research experience, with at least two of those years spent in a relevant research specialization.
The university allows for a degree of flexibility regarding these requirements; additional related experience or formal education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Specifically, 30 undergraduate college credits can be considered equivalent to one year of related experience, provided the education is directly applicable to the job’s demands.
Beyond the credentials, the university emphasizes a commitment to its core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a fast-paced clinical setting.
Note: This article is provided for informational purposes regarding professional opportunities in clinical research and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
The next phase for interested professionals involves the formal application process through the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s employment portal. Given the center’s status as a primary provider for millions of Marylanders, the hiring process is expected to prioritize candidates who can demonstrate a track record of IRB compliance and proficiency in statistical software.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the evolving landscape of transplant research in the comments below.
