Research Specialist, Laboratory Lead

Accomplishes responsibilities by applying specialized and theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline normally acquired through advanced education or specialized training. Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. Contributes to development and evaluation of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May supervise, mentor, or coordinate work of others (positions that supervise are responsible for service delivery, quality assurance, and employee performance). May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources.
Applies advanced, expert level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Substantial latitude in decision making. Sets goals and objectives to align with defined strategy. Informs supervisor of progress. Works on ambiguous matters generally without precedent or structure and independently develops standardization and protocol. Makes departures from traditional approaches to develop novel solutions. Influences strategy, program, policy development, and best practices. Acts as expert resource to others.

Responsibilities
- Independently leads laboratory research activities by ensuring design, development, documentation and implementation of research procedures and protocols using a variety of complex activities. Lead the development and execution of project research studies. Revise studies, in consultation with upper management or principal investigator, to meet changing needs and requirements and enforces standards.

- Provide day-to-day laboratory operations oversight including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies. Identify and address issues and deficiencies and implements effective solutions.

- Assemble and assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.

- Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using various relevant computer software applications. Present research findings.

- Conduct library research and prepares manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication. Prepare material for journal articles and grant proposals.

- Perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; develops policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.

- Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.

- Five (5) years of experience in laboratory research including three (3) years in the relevant research specialization.

- Other: May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials and/or ionizing radiation.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.