Senior Research Specialist - Biological Sciences

Job Title

Senior Research Specialist – Biological Sciences

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Biological Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

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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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 40% Research execution: 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.

• 25% Laboratory operations: Manage procurement, inventory, vendor coordination, equipment service contracts, and budget/expenditure record-keeping across multiple funding accounts.

• 15% Safety and compliance: Serve as laboratory safety lead; maintain IBC/biosafety (BSL-2) compliance, standard operating procedures, training records, and safety documentation.

• 10% Instrument stewardship: 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.

• 10% Supervision and mentorship: Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers; support research rotations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 

• 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).

• Ten Years related experience in the following: 

  • 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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary is $72,870 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

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

Application Procedure:

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.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.