Senior Research Specialist

Overview

Open Date: 02/02/2026

Requisition Number: PRN
44174B

Job Title: PS Research Scientist

Working Title: Senior Research Specialist

Career Progression Track: F

FLSA Code: Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes

Standard Hours per Week: 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift: Day

Work Schedule

Summary:

Weekdays / Hybrid work environment

VP Area: U of U Health - Academics

Department: 01102 - Transplant Surgery

Location: Campus

City: Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment: External Posting

Pay Rate Range: 47600 to 90400

Close Date: 05/05/2026

Priority Review Date: Posting may close at any time

The Senior Research Specialist – Transplant Surgery is an advanced research-focused position that supports translational and clinical research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This role provides specialized expertise in research data synthesis, regulatory preparation, scholarly output, and advanced laboratory-based research activities to support a diverse portfolio of transplant research initiatives.

Working collaboratively with PhD research faculty, Research Assistants, and surgeon investigators, the Senior Research Specialist contributes to the development, execution, and dissemination of IRB-approved research studies. Responsibilities include reviewing and synthesizing research data, preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for publication, assisting with regulatory documentation, and performing higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing that require advanced training and judgment. The Specialist operates with a high degree of independence and submits analytical, scholarly, and technical work products to PhD faculty for review, refinement, and scientific alignment.

This position functions in a collaborative, non-supervisory capacity and works in parallel with Research Assistants, contributing complementary expertise at different phases of research projects. While not responsible for setting overall scientific strategy, the Senior Research Specialist plays a critical role in advancing research outputs, maintaining methodological rigor, and supporting complex laboratory and data workflows within the Division of Transplant Surgery.

• Patient-Sensitive Research Environment: This position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves work in patient care areas and research laboratories within the University Medical Center. Employees must comply with all institutional, state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety standards. Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related to patient safety, privacy, infection control, and research conduct.
• Advanced Laboratory & Specimen Processing: Performs advanced and higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing in accordance with IRB-approved research protocols. Supports or assumes responsibility for specialized specimen handling and processing steps that require advanced training, judgment, or technical expertise. Works collaboratively with Research Assistants and PhD research faculty to ensure specimen integrity, protocol adherence, and appropriate chain-of-custody for research materials. Assists in troubleshooting laboratory workflows and refining processing approaches to support evolving research needs.
  
  Ensures accurate documentation of laboratory activities and specimen processing for research and regulatory purposes.
• Research Data Review, Synthesis & Analysis: Reviews, evaluates, and synthesizes research data generated across multiple studies to support scientific interpretation and downstream analysis. Works with PhD research faculty to prepare datasets for analysis, ensuring data completeness, consistency, and methodological rigor. Identifies data trends, inconsistencies, or quality concerns and collaborates with research team members to resolve issues. Provides analytical input to support research conclusions and dissemination activities.
• Scholarly Output & Dissemination: Prepares scientific abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for submission to conferences and peer-reviewed journals. May serve…