Senior Research Scientist

About the role

Serves as subject matter expert and conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various complex documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates, junior lab members, and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates high-level work and project development in collaboration with other specialists.

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Division comprises approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff working across Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), and UPMC Hospitals (Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson, Mercy). The division provides world‑class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits, with a major research mission focusing on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID‑19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The Benam Lab (https://www.benamlab.net/) in the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering seeks a Senior Research Scientist to support and coordinate a multidisciplinary research program on the development, validation, and translation of advanced human‑relevant experimental systems (microphysiological systems; Organs‑on‑Chips). The role operates at the interface of science, engineering, and program execution, combining independent research contributions with coordination of complex, multi‑institutional efforts. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental studies, support development of high‑impact scientific and technical documents, and ensure alignment of project activities with program goals, timelines, and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and contribute to independent and collaborative research activities, including experimental design, execution of selected laboratory studies, data analysis, and interpretation
• Coordinate project activities across multidisciplinary teams and collaborating institutions to ensure alignment with scientific objectives and timelines
• Track progress against milestones and deliverables; maintain integrated project plans and proactively identify risks and mitigation strategies
• Lead preparation and coordination of technical materials, including progress reports, white papers, grant applications, and sponsor‑facing documents
• Contribute to development of manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific communications
• Facilitate communication across internal team members and external collaborators; organize meetings and track action items
• Support development and implementation of laboratory and project workflows, documentation practices, and data organization strategies
• Contribute