Research Laboratory Quality Systems Specialist

About the role

The Wan Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Research Laboratory Quality Systems Specialist to lead the development, implementation, oversight, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory quality systems supporting research in influenza and emerging infectious diseases.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with laboratory best practices, ISO/IEC 17025 principles, NAHLN guidelines, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements. Responsibilities include SOP lifecycle management, document control, records management, quality documentation, metric development, and process improvement initiatives.
• Plan and conduct internal quality audits; coordinate external assessments; and lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs, nonconformance investigations, root cause analyses, risk assessments, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Develop and oversee laboratory data quality and integrity programs by establishing quality control procedures, monitoring data completeness and consistency, performing quality analyses using R and/or Python, and creating dashboards that support research reproducibility, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain sample quality documentation, chain-of-custody records, metadata completeness, protocol adherence, and quality checkpoints throughout the sample lifecycle using laboratory information management systems (e.g., Shiny Lab). Collaborate with laboratory leadership and research personnel to identify, investigate, and resolve quality issues that may affect research integrity.
• Conduct periodic reviews of laboratory notebooks, electronic laboratory records, metadata, and supporting research documentation to verify completeness, traceability, compliance with SOPs, and data integrity. Partner with investigators, study coordinators, and regulatory personnel to ensure documentation supporting IRB, IBC, IACUC, biosafety, and sponsor requirements is complete, consistent, and audit-ready. This position provides quality oversight and documentation review but does not serve as the primary owner of regulatory submissions.
• Develop and deliver training programs for laboratory personnel on quality systems, SOP implementation, documentation standards, laboratory best practices, data integrity, research reproducibility, and continuous improvement methodologies. Foster a culture of quality, accountability, consistency, and continuous learning throughout the laboratory.
• Prepare quality metrics, management review reports, audit summaries, performance indicators, and quality improvement recommendations to support laboratory leadership, sponsor reporting, accreditation efforts, and strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 quality management principles, AAVLD/NAHLN quality requirements, and research compliance processes.
• Experience performing data quality control, validation, and analysis using R and/or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines while effectively communicating with principal investigators, collaborators, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Familiarity with biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance requirements in a research or laboratory environment.
• Experience developing, maintaining, or supporting Quality Management Systems (QMS), including quality documentation and compliance activities.
• Knowledge of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), change control, deviation investigations, risk assessments, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience preparing quality metrics, annual quality reports, management review reports, or other quality performance documentation.
• ISO/IEC 17025 internal auditor training, QMS training, or the ability to obtain such training within six months of hire.
• Project management training or certification (e.g., CAPM, PMP, or equivalent).
• Experience working in research, diagnostic, public health, or other regulated laboratory environments.

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $53,976.00 - $96,054.40 per year
Grade: GGS 010
University Title: Senior Research Project Analyst

Application Materials

Application, resume, and cover letter

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

Is this at Bond Life Sciences Center?

About Us

The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields—engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists—all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission

We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us

At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.