HS Research Splst

UNM HSC Research Specialist (grade 11)

Center for Brain Recovery and Repair Preclinical Core

Position Summary:

Funding available through 6/30/2027. Continuation beyond that date is subject to the Preclinical Core's needs and funding.

The Preclinical Core is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Specialist to support advanced laboratory research initiatives within the health sciences. The successful candidate will independently coordinate complex research activities, contribute to experimental design and implementation, perform advanced data acquisition and analysis, and assist in the interpretation and reporting of research findings.

This position requires strong technical expertise, independent problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple aspects of research projects while maintaining rigorous standards for quality control, documentation, and safety. The individual will work closely with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and collaborators to execute innovative research.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex laboratory, clinical, and/or field research activities following established protocols and research objectives.
• Design, implement, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental procedures, methodologies, and research workflows.
• Conduct advanced data acquisition, processing, manipulation, reduction, and analysis within a specialized area of health sciences research.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental results while ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with research protocols.
• Utilize advanced statistical, computational, and scientific software tools to analyze research data and generate reports.
• Contribute to experimental design, protocol development, and refinement of research methodologies.
• Evaluate and modify equipment, instrumentation, and procedures to meet project-specific research needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve experimental approaches, data quality, and interpretation of results.
• Prepare summaries, presentations, technical reports, and other research documentation.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and oversight to students, interns, residents, visiting researchers, and junior laboratory personnel.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety procedures, environmental regulations, and institutional research standards.
• Perform additional research-related duties as assigned.
• Monitor iLabs scheduling and help user establish Memos of Understandings with the Core facility
• Help users with quality control of behavioral experiments and histology

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Ability to independently develop, execute, and troubleshoot research protocols.
• Advanced understanding of experimental methods and scientific principles within a relevant research area.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and identify meaningful findings.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and scientific computing tools.
• Ability to adapt procedures, equipment, and workflows to address evolving research needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, health sciences, engineering, or related field).
• Experience with rodent research methodologies including cardiac perfusions, brain extractions, and histological staining.
• Experience with rodent handling, behavioral experiments, animal tracking, and
• Experience with equipment monitoring and maintenance.
• Experience analyzing complex datasets using statistical and scientific software.
• Experience mentoring or training students and junior research personnel.
• Experience working in an academic research environment.
• Familiar with IACUC protocols, both writing and maintaining.

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.