Lab Research Technician Lead - Neurological Sciences

at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Neurological Sciences-Res Adm

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:30:00 AM – 5:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $25.20 – $35.60 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Job Summary:

A Lab Research Technician is a technical specialist who supports laboratory operations through hands-on execution of established procedures, equipment operation, specimen handling, and compliance with safety and quality standards. The role emphasizes technical accuracy, consistency, and operational reliability, with limited responsibility for research interpretation or study design. The Lab Research Technician LEAD (LRT LEAD) provides advanced technical expertise and serves as a senior resource for laboratory operations, supporting complex laboratory procedures, specimen workflows, and specialized equipment use. This role emphasizes technical leadership through hands-on execution, mentoring of laboratory staff, and coordination of advanced laboratory activities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and operational reliability. The LRT LEAD is non-managerial responsibilities, supports laboratory efficiency by guiding procedural execution, assisting with troubleshooting complex technical issues, and reinforcing adherence to established protocols and safety standards. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications:

+ Education: Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience

+ Experience: 2 or more years laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment

OR

+ Experience (in lieu of a degree): 3 years of progressive laboratory experience, including advanced technical execution, complex instrumentation troubleshooting, and technical mentoring or guidance of laboratory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

+ Expertise in coordinating complex workflows for specimen collection, labeling, storage, and tracking across multiple studies

+ Proficient in configuring, calibrating, and troubleshooting advanced lab equipment; ensures maintenance protocols are followed

+ Deep understanding of research protocols and ability to adapt or guide methodology refinements

+ Skilled in identifying procedural inefficiencies, resolving technical challenges, and escalating issues appropriately

+ Ability to perform complex data calculations, interpret trends, and validate findings across experiments or time points

+ In-depth understanding of biosafety, chemical hygiene, and radiation safety; models and reinforces compliance

+ Effective communicator in technical and collaborative settings; produces summaries, figures, and contributions to publications

+ Demonstrated success mentoring peers and junior staff on procedures, safety, and data accuracy

+ Strong attention to detail in reviewing and maintaining lab records, study notes, and data logs

+ Skilled at coordinating with internal teams, shared cores, and vendors to support research objectives

Preferred Job Qualifications:

+ Experience: 3 years laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment, including hands-on performance of complex experimental techniques, protocol documentation, and data analysis

+ 2 years of supervisory, mentoring, or advising experience in a research laboratory setting

Physical Demands:

+ Requires frequent use of fine motor skills for pipetting, specimen handling, instrument operation, labeling, and documentation tasks

+ Requires good visual acuity and manual dexterity to accurately manipulate laboratory instruments, read measurements, and operate computerized lab systems

+ Frequently stands or walks for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures and moving between workstations

+ Occasionally lifts, carries, or moves laboratory supplies, equipment, or reagent containers weighing up to 25 lbs

+ Must safely work in laboratory environments involving exposure to chemicals, biological specimens, temperature-controlled equipment, or mechanical devices while following safety protocols and PPE requirements

Job Responsibilities:

+ Provide expert-level oversight of biological sample collection, processing, and storage across multiple active protocols, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to established procedures. Evaluate specimen integrity trends and guide procedural adjustments in collaboration with investigators and senior scientific staff.

+ Oversee the configuration, calibration, and validation of specialized laboratory equipment, ensuring readiness across studies. Evaluate equipment performance patterns, coordinate preventive maintenance strategies, and initiate service communications to sustain operational reliability.

+ Direct the execution of high-complexity laboratory techniques and procedures across studies, applying advanced technical judgment to align workflows with protocol requirements. Guide staff in adapting procedures to meet evolving experimental needs and ensure methodological consistency.

+ Serve as the technical authority for advanced equipment operation and procedural execution, providing escalation support for complex troubleshooting issues. Guide and instruct laboratory staff in resolving instrument or workflow challenges and reinforce best practices.

+ Oversee the organization, validation, and analysis of complex laboratory data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across experiments or time points. Apply advanced analytical reasoning to support reliable data generation and downstream scientific use.

+ Model and reinforce institutional biosafety, chemical hygiene, and radiation safety standards, serving as an escalation resource during inspections, audits, or incident reviews. Guide corrective actions and support sustained compliance across laboratory activities.

+ Maintain and oversee high standards of laboratory documentation, including notebooks, instrument logs, and digital systems. Review documentation completed by laboratory staff to ensure regulatory compliance, data integrity, and alignment with study requirements.

+ Apply advanced technical judgment to interpret data trends and deviations, synthesizing findings to support investigator review, reporting needs, or scientific dissemination while remaining focused on technical accuracy rather than study ownership.

+ Provide technical mentorship to Lab Research Technicians 1-3, guiding skill development in laboratory techniques, safety practices, documentation standards, and data accuracy. Support onboarding and readiness for progression through hands-on instruction and feedback.

+ Coordinate technical activities that span laboratories, shared cores, or external service providers, supporting protocol alignment, material transfers, and access to specialized resources while maintaining a technical liaison role.

+ Support laboratory operational continuity by monitoring complex reagent usage, specialty supply availability, and workflow dependencies, identifying potential disruptions and coordinating technical responses to maintain study timelines.

+ Contribute to the preparation and revision of technical documentation, incl