Research Consultant 3, BRaIN Lab

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Consultant 3 to join their team. The BioRepository and Integrated Neuropathology (BRaIN) Laboratory’s mission is to advance human brain science, with emphasis on brain aging and neurodegeneration, neurotrauma, and neurooncology, through human brain donation and analysis using, and developing, the latest quantitative methods. The BRaIN Lab focuses on generating extensive qualitative and quantitative neuropathological data, including traditional neuropathological assessments, digital image analytics from neuroimaging (MRI), scanned microscopic images, and organ and tissue reconstructions, biochemical and immunoassays, molecular analyses including RNA sequencing, in association with accompanying clinical, exposure, pharmacy, and psychometric data. The Research Consultant 3 manages the biorepository database and specimen tracking systems, supports specimen request fulfillment, provides data for stakeholder reporting, and supports research analytics. The core focus of this role is maintaining and modernizing the brain biorepository data infrastructure, enabling researchers to efficiently identify and access appropriate specimens, and ensuring accurate and timely data reporting to internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time, day shift position located at Harborview Medical Center. The specific work schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in quantitative fields such as biostatistics, statistics, informatics, computer science or a related field.
Four to five years of significant relevant experience.
Experience with REDCap or comparable data collection and management platforms.
Experience with programming languages (primarily R, Python).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills.
Demonstrated experience managing research databases and data workflows.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a research environment.
Exceptional attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

MA/MBA with some relevant experience or PhD
Experience in life sciences, healthcare, or technology industries strongly preferred.
Familiarity with LIMS software for biorepositories
Experience with version control tools such as Git.
Experience building data dashboards or automated reporting tools (e.g., R Shiny, Tableau, Power BI).
Experience with database modernization, migration, or ETL processes.
Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Experience with data privacy and security compliance, including de-identification workflows and data use agreements.
Previous experience supporting progress reports, grant reporting, or stakeholder communications in a research context.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the development, maintenance, and evolution of the data management systems, with a focus on modernizing legacy infrastructure toward current best practices.
Responsible for data quality control, integration of database with laboratory information management system, report generation, data sharing processes, and assist with manuscript writing as assigned.
Help coordinate our growing repository of collected brain and tissue specimens, including specimen tracking, inventory management, and distribution records.
Serve as a technical resource for coding and automation solutions that improve data workflows across the lab.
Serve as main point of contact for database-related activities across a range of projects.
Manage users and user rights across multiple projects and platforms.
Manage data integration from outside sources, including linkage of LIMS with other internal databases.
Direct the development of new data collection instruments, as well as update existing metrics.
Provide REDCap technical assistance through data collection and data sharing; develop REDCap training and train users on methods as needed.
Design and execute the data quality management plan; develop standard operating procedures for data entry.
Conduct data quality checks to identify potential data entry and calculation/coding errors.
Combine data from multiple sources to create interim and final datasets.
Maintain specimen inventory records and support tracking of specimen distribution and chain of custody to fulfill researcher requests and comply with biorepository protocols.
Collaborate with project leadership on scope, timeline, and budget for data-related activities.
Summarize findings in tables, figures, and dashboards; communicate information to project leadership and collaborators.
Contribute to manuscripts and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Provide data extracts and summaries for progress reports, grant reporting, and updates to institutional and funding-agency stakeholders.
Assist with the development, maintenance and evolution of the LIMS.
Assist with the laboratory resource requests relating to tissue distribution.
Participate in lab and other meetings and provide regular status updates.
Review work lists and prioritize work in conjunction with the PI; interact with the research team and collaborators.
Assist with a variety of other special projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.