Research and Education Specialist

Position Summary:

The Research and Education Specialist supports the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training’s (CBET) mission to advance biopharmaceutical research, hands-on education, and workforce development. The position combines laboratory research support with planning and delivery of experiential learning opportunities for students, educators, and industry participants. Working with CBET scientific staff and the Operations Manager, the Specialist helps execute contract and internally funded research, prepares instructional laboratories, maintains accurate research records, and contributes to the development of training activities. The position emphasizes scientific and educational delivery rather than overall facility management. The Research and Education Specialist will report to the Executive Director, CBET.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

Research and Technical Support (50%)

• Execute assigned laboratory experiments and technical tasks for contract research, sponsored projects, and internal development activities under approved protocols and project plans.
• Support mammalian and microbial cell culture, sample preparation, assay workflows, data collection, and analysis as appropriate to training and project needs.
• Assist with method development, troubleshooting, quality checks, and preparation of clear technical summaries and client-ready results.
• Maintain complete, traceable laboratory notebooks, experimental records, data files, and documentation consistent with CBET procedures and sponsor requirements.

Education and Workforce Development (25%)

• Prepare and deliver hands-on laboratory activities, demonstrations, and training sessions for college students, educators, and workforce participants.
• Collaborate with faculty and CBET staff to develop instructional protocols, presentations, worksheets, assessments, and adaptable biotechnology curricula.
• Train and mentor students and trainees in scientific technique, laboratory safety, experimental design, data integrity, and good documentation practices.
• Support program coordination, participant preparation, and post-program evaluation for workshops, educational partnerships, and grant-funded initiatives.

Laboratory Readiness and Collaboration (20%)

• Prepare reagents, samples, materials, and equipment required for experiments and instructional laboratories; monitor stocks and communicate procurement needs.
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, and documented upkeep within assigned responsibilities; promptly report maintenance, safety, and facility needs to the Operations Manager.
• Follow biosafety, chemical hygiene, waste management, and quality procedures; assist with SOP development, revision, and implementation.
• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory and training activities with the Operations Manager to align space, equipment, scheduling, and resource availability.

Other duties, as assigned (5%)

• Contribute technical content, outcomes data, and supporting documentation for proposals, reports, outreach materials, and educational partnerships.
• Participate in CBET events, tours, industry demonstrations, and outreach activities as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director consistent with the scope of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, accurate documentation, data quality, and reproducible methods.
• Ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and work effectively with learners, colleagues, and external collaborators.
• Strong organization, problem-solving, written communication, and computer/data management skills; ability to balance research and instructional priorities.
• Experience with cell culture, PCR, flow cytometry or related analytical assays, and sample handling. (Preferred)
• Experience supporting clinical or industry research, quality investigations, regulated workflows, or good documentation practices. (Preferred)
• Experience teaching, preparing instructional laboratories, training students, or developing STEM educational activities. (Preferred)
• Familiarity with biopharmaceutical process development or willingness to train in upstream and downstream bioprocessing. (Preferred)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in academic, clinical, or industrial settings, including familiarity with standard molecular, microbiological, or cell-based techniques.
• Master’s degree in microbiology, cell science, biotechnology, education, or related discipline. (Preferred)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Please note that this posting is not all-inclusive of the job responsibilities or qualifications of the position. The essential functions of the job may or may not have been fully described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily on site in CBET laboratory and instructional spaces. Duties may involve biological materials, standard laboratory chemicals and equipment, extended periods of standing, and occasional evening or weekend educational events or experimental activities.

Additional Information:

This position is based in Albany, NY. The duties and responsibilities of this particular role require the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or interaction with our community, requiring all work to be performed full-time on-site. Standard work hours are from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST, Monday through Friday. The position may also require availability and willingness to enthusiastically work evenings and weekends, as needed, for success. Additional details pertaining to this position with be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits:

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental and vision benefits, free life insurance and disability programs, tuition assistance programs, retirement plan with employer match and contribution, and generous time off including 20 paid holidays plus paid sick and vacation time. Additional perks include wellness rewards, free gym access, free parking, identity theft protection and many others. Please note, benefits and benefits eligibility can vary by position, and exclusions may apply for some roles.

ACPHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our hiring and employment practices.