Research Specialist

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine's Frietze Laboratory is seeking a Research Specialist to support vaccine research initiatives. You will assist with laboratory operations, supervise trainees, order supplies, and ensure safety and compliance in day-to-day activities.

Qualified candidates will have strong molecular biology, immunology, and cell biology skills, experience with rodent models, and familiarity with IACUC and biosafety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, immunology, or related field.
• Experience with rodent research methodologies including ABSL-2 infectious disease models.
• Experience with rodent handling and procedures.
• Molecular biology experience including qPCR, protein purification, Western blot.
• Cell biology experience including growth and maintenance of mammalian cells.
• Experience with equipment monitoring and maintenance.
• Experience in an academic research environment.
• Familiar with IACUC, biosafety, and human subjects protocols, including writing and maintaining.

Responsibilities

• Support vaccine research initiatives in the Frietze Lab.
• Provide technical support to trainees in the laboratory.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations and ordering of supplies.
• Ensure lab safety requirements and compliance are met.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and records/inventories.
• Collaborate with Dr. Frietze, lab staff, and collaborators.

Skills

Molecular biology

Immunology

Microscopy

Infectious disease (BSL-2)

Rodent models

qPCR

Western blot

Protein purification

Cell culture

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Equipment maintenance

Job description

The Frietze Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, led by Dr. Kathryn M. Frietze, is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and experienced Research Specialist to support vaccine research initiatives in the health sciences . The successful candidate will support all research initiatives in the Frietze Lab, including providing technical support to trainees in the laboratory, managing day-to-day laboratory operations, ordering supplies, ensuring lab safety requirements, maintaining laboratory equipment, maintaining laboratory records and inventories.

This position requires strong technical expertise (molecular biology, immunology, microscopy, infectious disease (BSL2), and rodent animal models), independent problem-solving skills, and maintaining rigorous standards for quality control, documentation, and safety. The Research Specialist will work closely with Dr. Frietze, research staff, trainees, and collaborators, so strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, or related field)
• Experience with rodent research methodologies including infectious disease models in ABSL-2
• Experience with rodent handling and procedures
• Molecular biology experience, including qPCR, protein purification, western blot,
• Cell biology experience, including growing and maintaining mammalian cells
• Experience with equipment monitoring and maintenance
• Experience working in an academic research environment
• Familiar with IACUC protocols, biosafety protocols, and human subjects protocols, both writing and maintaining

Monthly Salary:

$3,841.07 - $5,148.00

Funding for this position is available until 11/30/2027. Continuation past that date subject to funding.