Biology Specialist Jobs
Biology specialist jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, clinical research, and government agencies, with specializations in cell biology, ecology, and molecular biology, from entry-level technician to senior scientist. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Biology Specialist jobs
Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Biology Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 19 Biology Specialist Jobs
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Find Biology Specialist JobsBiology Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in biology specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on proficiency with standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, and microscopy
- Experience with laboratory information management systems and data recording software
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice standards and regulatory compliance documentation
- Ability to analyze and interpret biological data using statistical or bioinformatics tools
- HAZWOPER certification or biosafety training relevant to the work environment
Tips for Your Biology Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to the subdiscipline
Hiring managers in molecular biology and ecology are scanning for different keywords. Rewrite your skills section for each application, foregrounding the techniques and instruments that match the specific subdiscipline listed in the posting, not a generic list of lab competencies.
List your instrumentation by name
Vague phrases like 'laboratory equipment' cost you interviews. Name every instrument you've operated, from flow cytometers to PCR thermocyclers, and note your proficiency level. Recruiters and ATS systems filter on specific tool names, not general experience descriptors.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists biology specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your certifications
If you hold HAZWOPER, OSHA 10, or a biosafety certification, filter your search to postings that explicitly mention those credentials. Employers who list them in requirements weight them heavily and are far more likely to advance candidates who already hold them.
Prepare a protocol walkthrough for interviews
Many biology specialist panels include a technical screen where you describe a protocol end to end. Practice walking through one experiment you know deeply, covering your controls, troubleshooting steps, and how you interpreted ambiguous results. Generic answers about 'following SOPs' won't distinguish you.
Follow up with a methods-specific note
After an interview, reference one technical topic you discussed, such as a specific assay or analysis pipeline, in your follow-up message. This signals genuine engagement with the role and keeps you distinct from candidates who send identical thank-you templates.
Biology Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most biology specialists?
Meridial, Emory University, and UC San Francisco Academic are hiring the most biology specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Georgia, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pharmaceutical companies and environmental consulting firms consistently represent the largest share of active postings.
How many biology specialist jobs are remote?
About 80% of biology specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by subdiscipline. Roles focused on data analysis, regulatory writing, and scientific communications are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while positions requiring bench work or fieldwork are almost always on-site.
How do you become a biology specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related life science, then build hands-on laboratory or field experience through internships, research assistant positions, or technician roles. Identify a subdiscipline you want to specialize in, pursue any relevant certifications such as biosafety or HAZWOPER, and develop proficiency in the data analysis tools common to that area. A master's degree accelerates advancement into senior specialist roles.
Can I get hired as a biology specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level biology specialist roles exist and are often filled by recent graduates or career changers with transferable lab skills. Employers look for demonstrated technique proficiency, which you can build through academic research, coursework-based lab work, or volunteer positions at research institutions. Highlighting specific instruments you've operated and any exposure to Good Laboratory Practice documentation helps your application stand out even without years of professional experience.
What does the biology specialist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your background and familiarity with the role's core techniques. A technical interview or practical assessment follows, where you may be asked to walk through a protocol, interpret data, or troubleshoot a hypothetical experimental problem. Final rounds typically include a panel with lab leadership and sometimes a brief writing or analysis exercise. The entire process usually runs two to four stages.
Where can I find and apply to biology specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to biology specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your subdiscipline, experience level, and location preference, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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