Entry Level Discovery Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Us:
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Job Posting Title:
Clinical Research Specialist 1, 2, or 3 - Mass Spectrometry
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUPBRC Cores - Mass Spectonomy Stable Isotopes and Energy Expenditure (Valery Berrigan Hymel (00007182))
Work Location:
LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Clinical Research Specialist in the Stable Isotopes and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory.
As part of a career progression group, this vacancy may be filled as a Clinical Research Specialist 1, 2, or 3 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant.
The Clinical Research Specialist will be responsible for operating and maintaining mass spectrometry instruments, developing and optimizing analytical methods, and preparing and processing biological samples. Key duties include data analysis, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The role also involves preparing supplies and specimens for shipping and contributing to various research projects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and make significant contributions to our scientific endeavors.
Major Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on mass spectrometry instruments and related laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Prepare biological samples for mass spectrometry analysis by following established laboratory procedures for sample processing and quality control.
• Perform mass spectrometry analyses, review data for accuracy, and assist in interpreting and reporting research results.
• Help develop and improve laboratory methods and procedures to support research projects and ensure consistent, high-quality data.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, including experimental procedures, instrument maintenance, and research data.
• Assist with the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant materials.
• Prepare laboratory supplies, biological specimens, and research materials for shipping in accordance with laboratory and institutional procedures.
• Collaborate with investigators and research staff by providing technical support for studies involving stable isotopes and mass spectrometry.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, order supplies, and help ensure the laboratory remains organized, clean, and compliant with safety requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the laboratory's research programs.

Required Qualifications
Clincial Research Specialist 1 - Entry level with basic duties and responsibilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Exposure to laboratory research through academic coursework, laboratory classes, undergraduate research, or internships is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory research methods, procedures, and analytical techniques.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment while following established protocols.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, laboratory personnel, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple research projects, experiments, and deadlines.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and research methodologies.

Clincial Research Specialist2 - Differs from Clinical Research Specialist 1 by working more independently and taking on greater responsibility.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory research experience in an academic, clinical, or relevant setting.
• Experience with biological sample preparation, laboratory instrumentation, data collection, and maintaining accurate research records.
• Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and maintain research data and laboratory records.
• Knowledge of quality control practices and the ability to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of laboratory results.

Clincial Research Specialist 3 - Differs from Clinical Research Specialist 2 by the presence of mentoring junior staff and contributing to protocol development.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible laboratory research experience.
• Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation, analyzing research data, implementing laboratory procedures, and supporting multiple research projects.
• Experience training or mentoring laboratory personnel and assisting with laboratory operations is preferred.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Additional Job Description:
Competencies:
None
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
July 29, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 12, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.