Research Support Specialist

Research Support Specialist (2601402)

Job Description – Research Support Specialist

• Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Biological or Forensic Sciences.
• Technical knowledge evidenced by coursework in organismal biology, pathology, or forensic sciences.
• Knowledge of biological science laboratory procedures.
• Experience following specific laboratory protocols.

• Experience in a laboratory environment handling preserved specimens.
• Experience with data manipulation and software applications, including database software and/or Excel.
• Experience with collections-based research or supporting such research.
• Experience with field research in the biological or biomedical sciences.

Under guidance of the principal investigator, in coordination with the lab manager, and following specific protocols, the incumbent will perform a variety of routine and semi‑skilled tasks to support and directly assist with the updating and validation of the collection database. The incumbent must possess outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing datasheets that compile organismal, sample, and collection data to determine how to combine using unique IDs and prepare them for online accessible databasing.
• Accurately identifying and distinguishing between sample and individual unique identifiers.
• Recording variables for sample, individual, individual traits, location, or other environmental parameters using proper data formats.
• Linking disparate data together by determining environmental, biological, and sampling interactions to create a comprehensive set of descriptors associated with the specimen.
• Converting data into formats compatible with software specifications for internal lab collections.
• Inspecting post‑processed linked datasets to verify correct reference to specimen‑based variables.
• Inventorying samples in relation to existing records to validate record accuracy, ensuring data matches specimens and freezer locations.
• Supporting relabeling of specimens to ensure accurate matching between items in the collection and associated data sets.
• Participating in weekly lab meetings.
• Fulfilling other duties or projects as assigned appropriate to the research rank and departmental mission.

The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines, and the availability of funding. This is a FLSA non‑exempt position, eligible for overtime provisions. For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability‑related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632‑6280 or visit OEA.

Starting salary range to be offered for this position is noted below. (Good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting.)