Senior Research Scientist

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy.  The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The Benam Lab (https://www.benamlab.net/) at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to support and coordinate a multidisciplinary research program focused on the development, validation, and translation of advanced human-relevant experimental systems (microphysiological systems; Organs-on-Chips).

This role operates at the interface of science, engineering, and program execution, combining independent research contributions with coordination of complex, multi-institutional efforts. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental studies, support development of high-impact scientific and technical documents, and ensure alignment of project activities with program goals, timelines, and deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in biomedical or translational research environments
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research studies and analyze complex datasets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to scientific manuscripts, reports, or grant applications
• Proven ability to manage or coordinate complex, multidisciplinary research efforts
• Ability to work effectively across scientific, engineering, and collaborative teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or leading federally funded research programs (e.g., DoD, NIH, BARDA)
• Background in microphysiological systems, tissue engineering, or advanced in vitro models
• Experience in high-containment, regulated, or translational research environments
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, proposal development, or large-team scientific coordination
• Experience mentoring trainees and contributing to team development
• Experience working in multi-institutional collaborations

Serves as subject matter expert and conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various complex documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates, junior lab members, and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates high-level work and project development in collaboration with other specialists.

• Conduct and contribute to independent and collaborative research activities, including experimental design, execution of selected laboratory studies, data analysis, and interpretation
• Coordinate project activities across multidisciplinary teams and collaborating institutions to ensure alignment with scientific objectives and timelines
• Track progress against milestones and deliverables; maintain integrated project plans and proactively identify risks and mitigation strategies
• Lead preparation and coordination of technical materials, including progress reports, white papers, grant applications, and sponsor-facing documents
• Contribute to development of manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific communications
• Facilitate communication across internal team members and external collaborators; organize meetings and track action items
• Support development and implementation of laboratory and project workflows, documentation practices, and data organization strategies
• Contribute to strategic planning and prioritization of research activities to support translational and programmatic objectives
• Train and mentor junior lab members, research staff, and trainees as needed
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, institutional policies, and programmatic requirements

Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and perform laboratory-based tasks as needed.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Job Details

• Assignment Category: Full-time regular
• Job Classification: Staff.Senior Research Scientist
• Job Family: Research
• Job Sub-Family: Research Science
• Campus: Pittsburgh
• Minimum Education Level Required: Professional Doctorate Degree
• Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7
• Substitution in lieu of education or experience: No
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5pm
• Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
• Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
• Relocation Offered: No
• Visa Sponsorship Provided: Yes
• Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
• Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
• Required Documents: Resume
• Optional Documents: Cover Letter