Senior Research Specialist – Biological Sciences

About the role

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Senior Research Specialist in the Department of Biological Sciences. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.

Provides senior scientific leadership and day-to-day operational management of a newly established cancer research laboratory and its shared-instrument core at Tarleton State University. The position combines independent, advanced research execution with laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, instrument stewardship, and trainee supervision, ensuring research continuity and day-to-day laboratory setup as the laboratory is built out and brought online. This is a full-time, on-site position located on Tarleton's main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or as work requirements indicate. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). This is a grant-funded position supported by the Research Excellence Fund. The position may be extended beyond one year based on impact and funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Research execution (40%): Plan, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments in molecular and cell biology, patient-derived organoid (PDO) models, immune phenotyping, and single-cell/spatial omics; analyze and interpret data; contribute to manuscripts and grant applications.
• Laboratory operations (25%): Manage procurement, inventory, vendor coordination, equipment service contracts, and budget/expenditure record-keeping across multiple funding accounts.
• Safety and compliance (15%): Serve as laboratory safety lead; maintain IBC/biosafety (BSL-2) compliance, standard operating procedures, training records, and safety documentation.
• Instrument stewardship (10%): Operate, maintain, calibrate, and schedule shared instruments (biosafety cabinet, CO₂ incubators, −80 °C ultra-low freezer, flow cytometer, and related core equipment); train and oversee authorized users.
• Supervision and mentorship (10%): Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers; support research rotations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in biomedical science, cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related field, with substantial relevant research experience (or Ph.D. in a related field).

Experience (ten years related):

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, patient-derived organoid (PDO) models, flow cytometry, and core molecular assays (qPCR, nucleic-acid/protein quantification, gel and blot workflows).
• Laboratory management and operations experience, including procurement, inventory, and instrument maintenance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of biosafety (BSL-2) practices and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. "See resume" is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

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