Research and Education Specialist

Albany College of Pharmacy•Albany, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research and Education Specialist supports the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training’s (CBET) mission to advance biopharmaceutical research, hands-on education, and workforce development. The position combines laboratory research support with planning and delivery of experiential learning opportunities for students, educators, and industry participants. Working with CBET scientific staff and the Operations Manager, the Specialist helps execute contract and internally funded research, prepares instructional laboratories, maintains accurate research records, and contributes to the development of training activities. The role emphasizes scientific and educational delivery rather than overall facility management and reports to the Executive Director, CBET. The Specialist executes laboratory experiments and technical tasks for research and development activities, supports cell culture and assay workflows, maintains traceable records, and helps prepare technical summaries and results. The role also prepares and delivers hands-on learning activities, develops educational materials in collaboration with faculty and staff, and trains students and trainees in scientific techniques and laboratory practices. The Specialist prepares laboratory materials, performs assigned equipment checks and upkeep, follows safety and quality procedures, and coordinates laboratory and training activities with the Operations Manager. The position is based in Albany, NY, and is performed full-time on site in CBET laboratory and instructional spaces. Standard hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM EST, Monday through Friday, with availability for occasional evening and weekend activities as needed. Work may involve biological materials, standard laboratory chemicals and equipment, and extended periods of standing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
Hands-on laboratory experience in academic, clinical, or industrial settings, including familiarity with standard molecular, microbiological, or cell-based techniques.
Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, accurate documentation, data quality, and reproducible methods.
Ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and work effectively with learners, colleagues, and external collaborators.
Strong organization, problem-solving, written communication, and computer/data management skills; ability to balance research and instructional priorities.
Experience with cell culture, PCR, flow cytometry, or related analytical assays, and sample handling.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in microbiology, cell science, biotechnology, education, or a related discipline.
Experience supporting clinical or industry research, quality investigations, regulated workflows, or good documentation practices.
Experience teaching, preparing instructional laboratories, training students, or developing STEM educational activities.
Familiarity with biopharmaceutical process development or willingness to train in upstream and downstream bioprocessing.

Responsibilities

Execute assigned laboratory experiments and technical tasks for contract research, sponsored projects, and internal development activities under approved protocols and project plans.
Support mammalian and microbial cell culture, sample preparation, assay workflows, data collection, and analysis as appropriate to training and project needs.
Assist with method development, troubleshooting, quality checks, and preparation of technical summaries and client-ready results.
Maintain complete, traceable laboratory notebooks, experimental records, data files, and documentation consistent with CBET procedures and sponsor requirements.
Prepare and deliver hands-on laboratory activities, demonstrations, and training sessions for college students, educators, and workforce participants.
Collaborate with faculty and CBET staff to develop instructional protocols, presentations, worksheets, assessments, and adaptable biotechnology curricula.
Train and mentor students and trainees in scientific technique, laboratory safety, experimental design, data integrity, and good documentation practices.
Support coordination, participant preparation, and post-program evaluation for workshops, educational partnerships, and grant-funded initiatives.
Prepare reagents, samples, materials, and equipment for experiments and instructional laboratories; monitor stocks and communicate procurement needs.
Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, and documented upkeep within assigned responsibilities; report maintenance, safety, and facility needs to the Operations Manager.
Follow biosafety, chemical hygiene, waste management, and quality procedures; assist with SOP development, revision, and implementation.
Coordinate day-to-day laboratory and training activities with the Operations Manager to align space, equipment, scheduling, and resource availability.
Contribute technical content, outcomes data, and supporting documentation for proposals, reports, outreach materials, and educational partnerships.
Participate in CBET events, tours, industry demonstrations, and outreach activities as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director consistent with the scope of the position.