Research Specialist II
About The Position
The Blanco-Suárez lab focuses on neuroplasticity mechanisms in response to aging, acute injury and other pathological conditions affecting the central nervous system. Under immediate supervision, the Research Specialist gathers, compiles and analyzes research data. Under general supervision, the Research Specialist gathers, manages, and analyzes experimental and computational research data to support translational research projects. The Blanco-Suárez lab is seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and bioinformatics expertise who is completing an M.S. degree and is interested in a long-term role integrating computational analysis with experimental biology.
Requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication, especially for scientific data presentation
- Experience with programming languages such as Python and/or R
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and high-throughput data analysis
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to take ownership of animal colony management and learn in vivo techniques
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, bioninformatics, computational biology, or related field.
- Two years of experience in technical research or statistical work experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., matplotlib, ggplot2, Prism) is a plus
- Master's degree (completed by start date) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related discipline preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in data analysis, statistical modelin, or bioinformatics workflows.
- Experience working with biological datasets (e.g., sequencing, proteomics, or genomics data).
- Experience building reproducible pipelines (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow)
- Familiarity with Linux/HPC or cloud computing environments
- Exposure to machine learning approaches in biological research
- Prior experience contributing to publications or collaborative research projects
- Experience with or willingness to learn rodent colony management and in vivo experimental techniques
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and execute reproducible bioinformatics pipelines for analysis of high-throughput datasets (e.g., RNA-seq, proteomics, genomics)
- Perform statistical analysis and data integration using tools such as Python, R, and relevant bioinformatics frameworks
- Apply machine learning or advanced statistical modeling approaches to biological datasets where appropriate
- Generate clear data visualizations and summaries to support publications and grant reports
- Manage and organize large-scale datasets, including cloud or HPC-based workflows
- Assist with in vivo experiments including tissue collection, and basic animal handling (training provided as needed)
- Support ongoing studies and data collection
- Conduct wet lab experiments such as nucleic acid/protein extraction, PCR/qPCR, genotyping and related assays
- Collaborate with lab members to integrate experimental and computational findings
- Lead maintenance and organization of mouse breeding colonies, including breeding strategy, genotyping coordination, record-keeping, and colony health monitoring
- Coordinate with lab members to ensure availability of appropriate experimental cohorts
- Support laboratory management including inventory, ordering, and compliance documentation (IACUC, BUA, EH&S)
- Contribute to preparation of manuscripts, figures, and grant progress reports
- Train and mentor junior lab members in data analysis and research best practices
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
