Research Specialist

Requisition ID req37853 Working Title HS Research Splst Position Grade 11 Position Summary

UNM HSC Research Specialist - Frietze Laboratory, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Position Summary:
Funding available through 11/30/2027. Continuation beyond that date is subject to funding.
The Frietze Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, led by Dr. Kathryn M. Frietze, is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and experienced Research Specialist to support vaccine research initiatives in the health sciences. The successful candidate will support all research initiatives in the Frietze Lab, including providing technical support to trainees in the laboratory, managing day-to-day laboratory operations, ordering supplies, ensuring lab safety requirements, maintaining laboratory equipment, maintaining laboratory records and inventories.
This position requires strong technical expertise (molecular biology, immunology, microscopy, infectious disease (BSL2), and rodent animal models), independent problem-solving skills, and maintaining rigorous standards for quality control, documentation, and safety. The Research Specialist will work closely with Dr. Frietze, research staff, trainees, and collaborators, so strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, or related field)
• Experience with rodent research methodologies including infectious disease models in ABSL-2
• Experience with rodent handling and procedures
• Molecular biology experience, including qPCR, protein purification, western blot,
  Cell biology experience, including growing and maintaining mammalian cells
• BSL-2 pathogen experience
• Experience with equipment monitoring and maintenance
• Experience working in an academic research environment
• Familiar with IACUC protocols, biosafety protocols, and human subjects protocols, both writing and maintaining

Additional Requirements Campus Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM Department Molecular Genetics Microbiology (564A) Employment Type Staff Staff Type Term - Full-Time Term End Date One year from date of hire Status Exempt Pay Monthly: $3,841.07 - $5,148.00 Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information. ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required Yes For Best Consideration Date 9/11/2026 Eligible for Hiring Incentive No Eligible for Remote Work No Eligible for Remote Work Statement Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please include your resume and cover letter with application

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.