Mid Level Research Specialist Jobs
Mid level research specialist jobs go to professionals ready to own studies end to end, synthesize complex findings independently, and guide junior team members with minimal oversight. Across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, employers like Emory University, Boston University, and Beacon Hill are hiring at this level now, with 37% of openings offering remote or hybrid arrangements.
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Research Specialist - Natural Sciences- Surgery
Hiring Department: Surgery
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042439
Posting Close Date: August 26, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000.00- $62,000.00.
The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.
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.
Position Summary
The SITL in the Department of Surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking a Research Specialist-Natural Sciences.
The Research Specialist - Natural Sciences position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques for the SITL in the Department of Surgery.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principal Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
- Formulate and conduct scientific experiments and analyses. Performs complex data collection and laboratory techniques. Analyze and evaluate test and research results.
- Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods, procedures and techniques.
- Develop and write advanced, comprehensive experimental protocols.
- Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.
- Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
- Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
- Guide, train and advise lower level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
- DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES
- Collaborate closely with the Director of the Surgical Innovation and Training Laboratory (SITL) to support and advance the laboratory’s clinical research projects, innovation, and educational activities.
- Coordinate clinical research projects in robotic and minimally invasive surgery throughout all phases of the research process.
- Assist a trained surgeon during educational activities and hands-on courses organized by Surgical Societies and Companies within the SITL.
- Take an active role in the education and training of medical students, residents, fellows, and surgeons in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical techniques.
- Responsible for coordination of multidisciplinary research activities, including the development and management of prospective and retrospective clinical research databases, integration of complex clinical data, etc.
- Assist with the preparation of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for peer-reviewed journals and national and international scientific meetings.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
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 - Natural Sciences- Surgery
Hiring Department: Surgery
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042439
Posting Close Date: August 26, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000.00- $62,000.00.
The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.
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.
Position Summary
The SITL in the Department of Surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking a Research Specialist-Natural Sciences.
The Research Specialist - Natural Sciences position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques for the SITL in the Department of Surgery.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principal Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
- Formulate and conduct scientific experiments and analyses. Performs complex data collection and laboratory techniques. Analyze and evaluate test and research results.
- Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods, procedures and techniques.
- Develop and write advanced, comprehensive experimental protocols.
- Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.
- Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
- Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
- Guide, train and advise lower level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
- DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES
- Collaborate closely with the Director of the Surgical Innovation and Training Laboratory (SITL) to support and advance the laboratory’s clinical research projects, innovation, and educational activities.
- Coordinate clinical research projects in robotic and minimally invasive surgery throughout all phases of the research process.
- Assist a trained surgeon during educational activities and hands-on courses organized by Surgical Societies and Companies within the SITL.
- Take an active role in the education and training of medical students, residents, fellows, and surgeons in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical techniques.
- Responsible for coordination of multidisciplinary research activities, including the development and management of prospective and retrospective clinical research databases, integration of complex clinical data, etc.
- Assist with the preparation of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for peer-reviewed journals and national and international scientific meetings.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
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.
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Mid Level Research Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level research specialist job?
Position yourself around ownership, not just participation. Highlight projects where you led the methodology, interpreted findings, and delivered recommendations to stakeholders without close supervision. Tailor your resume to show the scope of work you managed, the tools you drove independently, and any cross-functional collaboration you led. Employers hiring at this level want evidence you can run a project, not just support one.
Which companies hire mid level research specialists?
Companies hiring mid level research specialists right now include Emory University, Boston University, and Beacon Hill, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level covers large enterprises with dedicated research functions, consulting firms, and mission-driven organizations that rely on specialists who can manage studies with limited oversight.
Are there remote mid level research specialist jobs?
Yes, remote work is a real option at this level. About 37% of mid level research specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of this work, including data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder presentations, translates well outside a traditional office setting. On-site roles tend to concentrate in lab-based or fieldwork-heavy positions.
How do I move up to a mid level research specialist role?
The path from entry level to mid level research specialist is built on deepening your technical skills, taking ownership of discrete projects, and showing measurable impact. Early career, focus on mastering your organization's core research methods and tools. Over time, volunteer to lead smaller studies, document outcomes clearly, and seek feedback on your analytical judgment. Consistent delivery on projects you own is the clearest signal employers look for.
Which industries hire the most mid level research specialists?
Mid Level research specialist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring because they depend on ongoing research programs, require specialists who can operate independently across multi-phase studies, and benefit from the institutional knowledge that mid level professionals bring after several years in the field.