Research Specialist III - Heart Institute - Lefer Lab

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings . When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.

The Research Specialist III utilizes a solid foundation in research and experience with techniques and works independently with minimal guidance from the Principal Investigator, higher level Research Scientist and other related research staff. Incumbent will be capable of exercising independent judgment while developing and implementing one's own independent and/or other developed research programs under a principal investigator, project planning, enrollment of patients, experimental protocols and procedures, database development and analysis including evaluating and interpreting results. Will participate in and may supervise lab activities including but not limited to: research grant management, human resources, responsibility delegation, and provide training to other individuals who may be assigned to the project, study, or laboratory. This position will perform a variety of tasks to manage research projects in an area of research specialization, including project management, experimental protocols and procedures, and administration of day-to-day lab operations. Will have delegated authority to make independent substantive decisions and commitments in accordance with the established goals and objectives of the laboratory or program. Supervises and trains others on lab activities.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Applies scientific expertise independently while leading, designing, conducting and collaborating on current and future research projects when interacting with collaborators, clinical research personnel and researchers as part of a research team with minimal direction from Principal Investigator. May develop independent research projects with the support of the Principal Investigator with minimal oversight.

Oversees all aspects of clinical development and study management (protocol design, enrollment of patients, development and implementation of protocols, and if applicable, submission of IRB applications and approvals).

Follows established procedures or protocols to perform complex laboratory tests and/or experiments. Acts as point of escalation for laboratory staff.

Prepares publications and presentations, writes and prepares grant proposals and oversees application and submission process.

Operates lab computers for data entry and maintains accurate data records for assigned research projects. Uses various software applications, such as spreadsheets, electronic mail, World Wide Web, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.

Operates appropriate laboratory equipment. Monitors inventory levels, orders materials and supplies.

Acts as a scientific resource for the affiliated pre-clinical research laboratory (e.g., assisted with experimental designs, data analysis, interpretation of scientific literature).

Identify and resolve complicated problems involved in research assays.

Establishes and maintains relationships with clinical investigators and manages internal and external collaborative research projects.

Exercises independent scientific judgment while managing the planning of current and future experiments and evaluating and interpreting results.

Will function as a liaison between research and clinical programs which may have local and national contributors and investigators relying on information provided.

Maintains awareness and timely execution of progress reports required by sponsors, safety boards, and/or supervising teams when applicable.

Supervises and trains Research Lab Assistants, Research Associates and/or other laboratory personnel.

Develops, adapts and implements new research techniques, protocols, and programs in accordance with the established goals and objectives of the laboratory or program.

Promotes scientific networking across the organization while encouraging multidisciplinary approaches.

Establishes and maintains relationships across the organization and industry with other clinical investigators and manages internal and external collaborative research projects.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree BS/BA in biological sciences, chemistry, or related field required.

Masters Degree (MS) in biological sciences, chemistry, or related field preferred.

Experience:

8 years of experience in area of research specialty required.