Research Specialist​/Lab

Research Specialist/Lab Overview

This position is for a Research Lab Specialist position with the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Research Office. This position is responsible to work with the clinical research team for timely and accurate collection, processing and shipping of lab samples of patients participating in oncology clinical trials. This position plays a key role in the management and oversight of patient lab samples which are a crucial part of clinical research outcomes.

This position is responsible for working with the study PI, research team and sponsors to assure lab expectations are clear, and samples are collected timely and accurately.

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute‑designated Cancer Center in a 500‑mile radius. Its 136 board‑certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico’s cancer patients from all across the state. And they partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. In 2024 they treated more than 15,000 patients in almost 105,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in‑patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital.

A total of 2,075 patients participated in cancer clinical trials to study new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 123 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNM Cancer Center were awarded $38.3 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 750 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery.

Website: unmhealth.org/cancer

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Coordinate with study PI, research team and sponsors to clearly define laboratory expectations.
• Perform timely, accurate collection, processing and shipping of patient lab samples for oncology clinical trials.
• Maintain oversight and management of patient lab samples to support clinical research outcomes.

• High school diploma or GED with at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Previous phlebotomy and lab experience.

• Finalists should be prepared to provide official educational transcripts if selected for hire.
• Applicants must provide names of three professional references that the hiring official can contact.

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Required:

Yes

11/5/2025

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