Senior Research Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400087 Pediatrics M&D Inf Diseases

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 111

Compensation Range:

$64,200.00 - $96,200.00

Responsibilities:

This position provides laboratory leadership as well as programmatic support for the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease research program. The individual will oversee current and future NIH, CDC, and industry funded research grants, including the New Vaccine Surveillance Network and clinical studies evaluating novel vaccines for RSV, Pneumococcus, and other pathogens.

Working independently under the direction of the Principal Investigator, this individual will manage the Pediatric Infectious Diseases research laboratory, including oversight of both laboratory-based and clinical research activities. Responsibilities include project management to ensure all required study activities are completed within the required timeframes, supervision and training of laboratory personnel and trainees, laboratory specimen operations, and ensuring laboratory compliance with all institutional, regulatory, and sponsor requirements. Competence in the performance of immunologic and molecular assays is expected. Development of new laboratory assays, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, may be pursued infrequently.

The individual will collaborate closely with sponsors, departmental administration, and the Office of Clinical Research (OCR) to support the development, implementation, and management of clinical research projects. The role will coordinate study startup, work with OCR to develop clinical research budgets, monitor program deliverables, and support the preparation and submission of research proposals to public and private funding agencies. Serving as the liaison with sponsors, regulatory agencies, partner institutions, and University stakeholders, this role will coordinate laboratory-based and clinical research activities, ensuring compliance, effective resource management, and timely achievement of program goals.

The role supports leadership in planning and resource allocation, tracks milestones and deliverables, and proactively identifies and resolves challenges to keep initiatives on track. Acting as a representative for the University of Rochester Pediatric Infectious Disease research group, the role engages with sponsors, collaborators, professional organizations, and other institutions to strengthen partnerships and advance program objectives. The position may also supervise staff and contribute to long-term program planning and growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership & Coordination:

• Partners with program directors, research staff, and senior administrators to plan, initiate, and oversee all research program activities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and sponsor requirements.
• Oversees the allocation and effective use of staff, space, equipment, and other resources to support research activities and program growth.
• Assists in leading internal meetings and monitors progress toward meeting team goals and completing action items, disseminating project information to appropriate parties.

Laboratory Management:

• Writes and implements detailed Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory procedures.
• Performs complex experiments, including qPCR, multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISpot assays, and ELISAs, analyzing resulting data.  Prepares study methods and figures for publication. 
• Manages sample databases/inventories and prepares shipments to study sponsors and collaborators following IATA regulations.
• Maintains laboratory space and adheres to relevant biosafety standards

Study Start Up:

• Coordinates and supports the preparation, submission, and monitoring of research proposals, contracts, and subcontracts.
• Works with the Study Principal Investigator (PI)/Study Nurse Manager and OCR to negotiate clinical study budgets and implement study protocols, amendments, and grants.
• Assists study team with development and execution of pre-trial activities.

Study Maintenance:

• Serves as a primary liaison with sponsors, regulatory agencies, collaborating institutions, and internal departments, fostering strong partnerships and clear communication.
• Responds to laboratory-based queries from study sponsors and monitors.

Training and management

• Oversees other technicians and trainees in the laboratory on a day-to-day basis, coordinating and guiding experiments and providing troubleshooting as required.

Professional Development:

• Participates in protocol-related training as required.
• Develop, implement, and maintain best practices for administrative, and operational procedures to ensure efficiency, compliance, and long-term program sustainability.

Other duties as assigned per the study needs

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers required
• Master's degree preferred
• PhD preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience as a Laboratory Manager preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed required
• Excellent word processing, spreadsheet, database and data analysis software experience preferred
• Fully adheres to applicable safety and/or infection control standards preferred   
• Ability to mentor and provide training to junior members of the team preferred
• Ability to effectively manage complex research protocols/procedures preferred
• Possesses a high degree of self-motivation preferred
• Recognized ability to function independently preferred
• Proficient in managing multiple and competing priorities/demands preferred
• Detailed-oriented in record keeping and research documentation preferred
• Understands and follows data integrity standards and processes preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills preferred
• Thorough knowledge of and established track record in assuring GCP, HSPP preferred.
• Responsible Conduct of Research standards, applicable safety standards preferred
• Ability to build collaboration among research team members, patients and families, clinical services (requires tact, sensitivity, clarity, flexibility, empathy for patients) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.