Research Lab Specialist Lead

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Michigan Otolaryngology & Translational Oncology Labs are seeking a Research Lab Specialist Lead to oversee clinical and translational research efforts. This full-time role requires expertise in biobanking, clinical trial support, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will manage specimen collection, database management, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care for Head and Neck Cancer patients.

Qualifications

• 10 years of research experience required.
• Strong understanding of biospecimen banking and analyte isolation.
• Experience with regulatory processes and clinical research.

Responsibilities

• Direct and support clinical and translational research efforts.
• Ensure compliance of clinical laboratory and clinical trials.
• Manage biospecimen collection, processing, and storage.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Data Management

Regulatory Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Freezerworks

Qualtrics

On-Core

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Michigan Otolaryngology & Translational Oncology Labs seek a dynamic and experienced Research Lab Specialist Lead to direct and support clinical and translational research efforts within our expanding program. This full-time position is ideal for a candidate with a strong foundation in biobanking, biospecimen processing, clinical trial support, and regulatory compliance, who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of research and patient care. The candidate will work closely with clinicians, patients, and the Michigan Otolaryngology and Translational Oncology (MiOTO) Lab team to support the success of translational research projects. This role requires strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as experience in clinical data management.

Responsibilities*

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the success and compliance of clinical laboratory, including clinical trials and institutional review board (IRB)-approved protocols aimed at improving care for Head and Neck Cancer patients. The Research Lab Specialist Lead will be responsible for specimen collection, clinical testing, database management, and analysis by collecting, managing, and analyzing clinical and biospecimen-related data while ensuring accurate and complete study records in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role requires proficiency in utilizing electronic data capture systems (Freezerworks and Qualtrics), clinical trial management software (On-Core) and will be expected to build financial projections for the lab. The position will also be involved in the development of novel tests to advance into the clinical environment for patient testing.

In addition, the Research Lab Specialist Lead will oversee experimental coordination by managing biospecimen collection, processing, and storage, ensuring proper handling of blood, urine, tissue, and other clinical specimens. This will include both managing CLIA laboratory kit preparation, shipping, and tracking as well as performing analyte processing techniques. The Research Lab Specialist Lead will ensure laboratory compliance by maintaining adherence to biosafety, chemical safety, IRB, CTSU, and CLIA regulations and assisting in maintaining lab certifications and safety protocols. Effective stakeholder communication between clinical, laboratory, and administrative teams will be a key component for success of this role.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 10 years of research experience.
• Strong understanding of biospecimen banking and analyte isolation.
• Experience with regulatory processes and clinical research.
• Proficiency in data management, regulatory documentation, and compliance oversight.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management software.
• Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate study needs, patient interactions, and compliance requirements. Including ability to periodically attend the Otolaryngology weekly virtual tumor board meeting (Monday, 4:30-6:30 PM).
• Familiarity with University research policies and procedures.

Desired Qualifications*

• Proficiency in MBECT, Freezerworks, On-Core, eResearch, and MiChart.
• PEERRS certification. M-SHIP certification.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.