Lead Research Specialist
About The Position
Provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Core Facility, supporting its development and expansion as a shared research resource for research and developmental therapeutics. Independently develops and oversees HTS assays, experimental methods, workflows, and quality-control standards, using automated instrumentation, compound libraries, and data analysis tools to support drug discovery and translational research. Serves as a primary scientific and technical resource for principal investigators and research teams across the cancer center, providing expert consultation on HTS strategies and independently managing complex screening projects from assay development through data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Leads the HTS Core Facility’s day-to-day scientific and technical operations, including workflows, SOPs, equipment and library management, user training and support, quality control, and development of new technologies, screening approaches, and services. Evaluates research needs and developmental therapeutics priorities to establish and expand HTS capabilities, and contributes to facility planning, operational improvement, collaborations, and growth of the facility’s user base and research partnerships.
Requirements
- Master’s degree and 5 years of experience involving direct assistance to researchers, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Required unique skill set that varies with research project needs.
- Required demand for specific skill set or research outcomes on a national, international, or corporate basis.
Nice To Haves
- PhD preferred.
- Certification aligned with critical need preferred.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize biochemical, cell-based, and phenotypic assays for high-throughput screening, ensuring robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility across screening platforms.
- Independently plan and execute large-scale high-throughput screens using automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and other HTS instrumentation, applying appropriate quality-control standards.
- Perform data analysis, including quality control, hit identification, dose-response curve fitting, and statistical analysis using specialized HTS software; interpret results and prepare reports for collaborating investigators.
- Collaborate with principal investigators and research teams to understand scientific goals, advise on HTS strategies, and present screening results to diverse audiences.
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot HTS equipment; ensure optimal performance and adherence to safety protocols, and resolve technical issues involving assays, instrumentation, and data-analysis workflows.
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the HTS Core Facility, including scheduling and user access, onboarding and training, billing, purchasing and inventory, library management, SOPs and documentation, and safety and compliance activities.
- Author or co-author publications and may co-present results with the Principal Investigator at meetings or conferences.
- Assist in acquiring research funding, including developing specialized grant proposals.
- Stay current with HTS technologies and methodologies; evaluate and implement techniques to enhance core capabilities and screening efficiency.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
