Lead Research Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Department:
400820 Dept of Biomedical Genetics

Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:
UR URG 112

Compensation Range:
$70,600.00 - $105,800.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Core Facility, supporting the development and expansion of the facility as a shared research resource for research and developmental therapeutics. The position independently develops and oversees high-throughput screening assays, experimental methods, workflows, and quality-control standards, leveraging automated instrumentation, compound libraries, and data analysis tools to support drug discovery and translational research. This position serves as a primary scientific and technical resource for principal investigators and research teams across the cancer center, providing expert consultation on HTS strategies while independently managing complex screening projects from assay development through data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

The position leads the day-to-day scientific and technical operations of the HTS Core Facility, including facility workflows, SOPs, equipment and library management, user training and support, quality control, and development of new technologies, screening approaches and services. This position evaluates research needs and developmental therapeutics priorities to establish and expand HTS capabilities, while contributing to facility planning, operational improvement, collaborations, and the growth of the facility’s user base and research partnerships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Design, develop, and optimize biochemical, cell-based, and phenotypic assays for high-throughput screening, ensuring robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility across diverse screening platforms.
- Independently plan and execute large-scale high-throughput screens using automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and other HTS instrumentation, maintaining and applying appropriate quality control standards throughout the screening process.
- Perform comprehensive data analysis including quality control, hit identification, dose-response curve fitting, and statistical analysis using specialized HTS software; interpret screening data and generate clear reports for collaborating investigators.
- Collaborate with principal investigators and research teams to understand scientific goals, provide expert consultation on HTS strategies, and present screening results effectively to diverse audiences.
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot sophisticated HTS equipment to ensure optimal performance and adherence to safety protocols; identify and resolve technical issues related to assays, instrumentation, and data analysis workflows.
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the HTS Core Facility, including scheduling and user access, onboarding and training, billing, purchasing and inventory, library management, SOPs and documentation, and coordination of safety and compliance activities.
- Co-authors or authors publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences. Assists in acquiring research funding, including development of specialized grant proposals.
- Stay current with advancements in HTS technologies and methodologies; evaluate and implement new techniques to enhance core capabilities and improve screening efficiency.
- Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

- Master's degree and 5 years involving direct assistance to researchers required
- PhD preferred
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Unique skill set – will vary with research project need required
- Demand for specific skill set/research outcomes on a national/international/or corporate basis required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

- Certification aligned with critical need preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.