Orthopedic Lab Research Lead

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 66,292,867 - 93,584,500; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center Lab Research Assistant 3 role independently performs specialized laboratory procedures and oversees technical workflows to support high-quality scientific research. The position serves as a technical lead in executing and refining protocols, interpreting data, and supervising daily laboratory activities of junior staff.

This role contributes to data generation, documentation integrity, and scientific deliverables such as protocol development and manuscript

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; 3 years of laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment.
• OR: 4 years of progressive laboratory experience, with at least 2 years involving direct execution of laboratory tests or support of active research studies.
• Proficiency with lab data systems like REDCap, Excel, GraphPad Prism, or LIMS for data entry and basic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform specialized laboratory procedures per protocols.
• Process, label, and track specimens through workflows; troubleshoot specimen quality issues and elevate study concerns to the investigator.
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instruments and robotic systems; train others on proper use and coordinate service visits as needed.
• Lead the refinement and implementation of laboratory protocols; evaluate new methods, document outcomes, and share findings with the research team.
• Record detailed procedures and results in electronic systems or lab notebooks; review documentation from junior staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Analyze experimental results across multiple time points or sample groups; interpret findings in relation to study aims and contribute summaries for team review.
• Supervise Lab Research Assistant 1 and 2 staff in day-to-day lab operations; assign tasks, monitor timelines, and provide technical guidance or corrective feedback.
• Present findings, protocol updates, or technical challenges during lab meetings; contribute to workflow planning and implementation of efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with external labs, shared resource cores, or clinical teams to coordinate protocols, timelines, and data transfer logistics.
• Oversee laboratory supply inventory and vendor coordination; ensure availability of specialty materials, resolve order issues, and track purchasing trends.
• Monitor lab-wide safety adherence; deliver onboarding or refresher safety training for students, volunteers, or new hires.
• Draft or revise methods sections for internal protocols or scientific manuscripts; generate visuals and respond to data presentation feedback from PIs or collaborators.
• Translate findings from literature into improved lab practices or study designs; present relevant updates during team discussions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily research operations

Skills

Lab data interpretation

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; 3 years laboratory experience

OR: 4 years laboratory experience with 2+ years in tests/research

Tools

REDCap

Excel

GraphPad Prism

LIMS

Job description

Rush University Medical Center Lab Research Assistant 3 role independently performs specialized laboratory procedures and oversees technical workflows to support high-quality scientific research. The position serves as a technical lead in executing and refining protocols, interpreting data, and supervising daily laboratory activities of junior staff.

This role contributes to data generation, documentation integrity, and scientific deliverables such as protocol development and manuscript