Research Specialist Sr.

Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF); Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) in Saint Petersburg, FL, seeks a Senior Research Specialist for its Shared Resources facility. The role includes independent project management, protocol optimization, and expert instrumentation support.

The candidate will provide scientific consultation, train investigators, and contribute to publications while staying current with emerging technologies and applications.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline is required; PhD preferred.
• Six years of laboratory or research experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience with advanced research instrumentation and laboratory techniques.
• Strong scientific, analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• High degree of accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage research projects and develop protocols; ensure data accuracy.
• Advise investigators on experimental design, technology selection, sample prep, and data interpretation.
• Operate and support instrumentation including flow cytometers, sorters, sequencers, and microscopes.
• Develop and optimize protocols through literature review and experimentation.
• Train researchers on instrumentation and organize seminars on new technologies.
• Contribute to reports, abstracts, presentations, and publications as appropriate.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and advise on new research applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in a scientific discipline

PhD preferred

Tools

Flow cytometers

Cell sorters

Sequencers

Microscopes

Job description

RESEARCH SPECIALIST SENIOR – SHARED RESOURCES

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Shared Resources and Support Director, the Research Specialist Senior provides advanced scientific and technical support within a specialized Shared Resource facility. The position independently manages research projects, develops and optimizes protocols, operates advanced instrumentation, and consults and trains investigators.

The role may support technologies including flow cytometry, cell sorting, next-generation sequencing, microscopy/imaging, and associated data analysis. The ideal candidate is scientifically versatile, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Research Projects and Data Management – Independently manage research projects, develop protocols, troubleshoot experiments, and ensure data accuracy and quality.
2. Scientific Consultation – Advise investigators on experimental design, technology selection, sample preparation, and data interpretation.
3. Instrumentation and Technology – Operate and support advanced Shared Resources instrumentation, including flow cytometers, sorters, sequencers, and microscopes.
4. Protocol Development – Independently develop and optimize protocols through literature review, experimentation, and validation.
5. Training and Education – Train researchers on instrumentation and techniques and organize seminars or workshops on new technologies.
6. Scientific Contributions – Contribute to reports, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and publications as appropriate.
7. Technology Assessment – Stay current with emerging technologies and advise investigators and leadership on new research applications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline required; PhD preferred.
• Six years of laboratory or research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience as permitted by the JHACH equivalency formula.
• Experience with advanced research instrumentation and laboratory techniques.
• Strong scientific, analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• High degree of accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Extended periods of standing or sitting while working with laboratory instrumentation.
• Above-average manual dexterity and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works primarily in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, biological materials, chemicals, and specialized scientific equipment.