Job Details

Senior Research Specialist

Position Number: 6906211
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Senior Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Senior Research Specialist - Transplant Surgery is an advanced research-focused position that supports translational and clinical research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This role provides specialized expertise in research data synthesis, regulatory preparation, scholarly output, and advanced laboratory-based research activities to support a diverse portfolio of transplant research initiatives.

Working collaboratively with PhD research faculty, Research Assistants, and surgeon investigators, the Senior Research Specialist contributes to the development, execution, and dissemination of IRB-approved research studies. Responsibilities include reviewing and synthesizing research data, preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for publication, assisting with regulatory documentation, and performing higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing that require advanced training and judgment. The Specialist operates with a high degree of independence and submits analytical, scholarly, and technical work products to PhD faculty for review, refinement, and scientific alignment.

This position functions in a collaborative, non-supervisory capacity and works in parallel with Research Assistants, contributing complementary expertise at different phases of research projects. While not responsible for setting overall scientific strategy, the Senior Research Specialist plays a critical role in advancing research outputs, maintaining methodological rigor, and supporting complex laboratory and data workflows within the Division of Transplant Surgery.

Responsibilities
Patient-Sensitive Research EnvironmentThis position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves work in patient care areas and research laboratories within the University Medical Center. Employees must comply with all institutional, state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety standards. Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related to patient safety, privacy, infection control, and research conduct.
Advanced Laboratory & Specimen Processing Performs advanced and higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing in accordance with IRB-approved research protocols. Supports or assumes responsibility for specialized specimen handling and processing steps that require advanced training, judgment, or technical expertise. Works collaboratively with Research Assistants and PhD research faculty to ensure specimen integrity, protocol adherence, and appropriate chain-of-custody for research materials. Assists in troubleshooting laboratory workflows and refining processing approaches to support evolving research needs. Ensures accurate documentation of laboratory activities and specimen processing for research and regulatory purposes.
Research Data Review, Synthesis & Analysis Reviews, evaluates, and synthesizes research data generated across multiple studies to support scientific interpretation and downstream analysis. Works with PhD research faculty to prepare datasets for analysis, ensuring data completeness, consistency, and methodological rigor. Identifies data trends, inconsistencies, or quality concerns and collaborates with research team members to resolve issues. Provides analytical input to support research conclusions and dissemination activities.
Scholarly Output & Dissemination Prepares scientific abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for submission to conferences and peer-reviewed journals. May serve as first author or contributing author on scholarly outputs, based on level of contribution and study complexity. Submits manuscripts, abstracts, and analytical work products to PhD research faculty for review, refinement, and scientific alignment. Provides constructive review and feedback on PhD- and investigator-led scholarly products when requested.
Regulatory & Study Continuity Support Assists with preparation, revision, and maintenance of regulatory documents, including IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews, in collaboration with PhD research faculty. Supports regulatory compliance by ensuring research activities align with approved protocols and institutional requirements. Maintains continuity across research projects by supporting documentation, data organization, and study transition activities.
Collaborative Research Operations Works collaboratively and in parallel with Research Assistants, contributing complementary expertise at different phases of research projects. Coordinates informally with research team members to align workflows, timelines, and handoffs. Communicates proactively regarding project status, technical challenges, and research needs. Contributes to a collegial, high-functioning research environment that values collaboration, rigor, and shared accountability.
Work Environment & Schedule Operates in a hybrid work environment with required on-site presence for laboratory-based research activities and collaboration. Utilizes shared workspaces and mobile computing tools to support research, analysis, and documentation tasks. May require schedule flexibility to support time-sensitive laboratory or research activities.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Office environment.Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers, and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences
Strong scientific writing skills, including experience drafting abstracts, posters, manuscripts, or other scholarly research materials.
Experience synthesizing, reviewing, and interpreting research data to support analysis and publication-ready outputs.
Familiarity with translational or clinical research environments within an academic medical center.
Experience assisting with regulatory documentation such as IRB submissions, amendments, or continuing reviews.
Ability to work independently on complex research tasks while collaborating effectively with investigators and research team members.
Experience working in laboratory or specimen-processing environments requiring advanced protocols, technical judgment, or precision.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44174B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Weekdays / Hybrid work environment
Department: 01102 - Transplant Surgery
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 47600 to 90400
Close Date: 5/5/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196066