Sr Research Specialist

University of Rochester; Bailey (AR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester is seeking a senior scientific and technical expert in LC-MS/MS to lead assay development, validation, and implementation for clinical diagnostics within the Regional Toxicology lab. You will guide method optimization and oversee lifecycle management of laboratory-developed tests while ensuring state regulatory compliance.

Working under the Toxicology/Mass Spectrometry Director, you will evaluate new instruments, mentor staff, and collaborate with clinicians and

Qualifications

• 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
• Extensive hands‑on experience with LC-MS/MS-based analytical platforms, including assay development, validation, optimization, troubleshooting, and implementation. Experience with both small molecules and protein/peptide analyses, preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of clinical assays and laboratory-developed tests on LC-MS/MS, including experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and transition into clinical operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CAP, CLIA, FDA, New York State Department of Health, and other standards governing clinical laboratory testing.
• Evaluate, implement, and support new instrumentation, analytical technologies, and testing platforms to advance laboratory capabilities, quality, efficiency, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Serve as the laboratory's technical expert in LCMS and related analytical technologies, providing advanced troubleshooting and resolution of complex assay, instrumentation, and operational issues.
• Support the development of technical procedures, validation plans, training materials, and other documentation necessary to support assay implementation, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership, clinicians, scientists, and external partners to support innovation initiatives, new test development, scientific publications, grant applications, and strategic technology planning.

Skills

LC-MS/MS

Assay development

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience

Master's degree preferred

PhD preferred

Tools

LC-MS/MS instrumentation

Mass spectrometry platforms

Job description

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):

211 Bailey Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14586

Opening:

Worker Subtype: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 500224 Regional Toxicology

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 111 H

Compensation range: $30.87 - $46.25

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of the Toxicology/Mass Spectrometry Director, and with substantial latitude for independent judgment, this position serves as the laboratory's senior scientific and technical expert in assay development, liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and emerging analytical technologies. Responsibilities include leading the research, development, validation, implementation, and optimization of clinical assays on LC-MS; evaluating new LC and MS instrumentation and testing platforms; and providing technical leadership for laboratory-developed tests and advanced diagnostic services. The position serves as a key resource for troubleshooting, staff development, regulatory compliance, and strategic technology initiatives, while collaborating with laboratory leadership to expand testing capabilities, improve operational performance, and support the department's clinical, academic, research, and innovation missions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the development, validation, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of clinical assays and laboratory-developed tests on LC-MS/MS, including experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and transition into clinical operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements, including CAP, CLIA, FDA, New York State Department of Health, and other standards governing clinical laboratory testing.
• Evaluate, implement, and support new instrumentation, analytical technologies, and testing platforms to advance laboratory capabilities, quality, efficiency, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Serve as the laboratory's technical expert in LCMS and related analytical technologies, providing advanced troubleshooting and resolution of complex assay, instrumentation, and operational issues.
• Support the development of technical procedures, validation plans, training materials, and other documentation necessary to support assay implementation, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with laboratory leadership, clinicians, scientists, and external partners to support innovation initiatives, new test development, scientific publications, grant applications, and strategic technology planning.

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
• Extensive hands‑on experience with LC-MS/MS-based analytical platforms, including assay development, validation, optimization, troubleshooting, and implementation. Experience with both small molecules and protein/peptide analyses, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed required
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and results‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently, preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a positive work environment, 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.