Operations Specialist

The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking an Operations Specialist who will be responsible for supporting population science, genomics, and translational research initiatives across the research enterprise. This position develops and implements operational strategies that facilitate collaborative research programs, biobanking activities, and large-scale national and international studies. Responsibilities include coordinating biospecimen collection, intake, processing, and distribution; overseeing protocol and project evaluation activities; and ensuring effective research operations that support program objectives. Working closely with faculty, investigators, and staff to develop and implement new research, training, and partnership initiatives, contributing to the growth and strategic goals of the organization while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary research teams.

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its 136 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico's cancer patients from all across the state. And they partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. In 2024 they treated more than 15,000 patients in almost 105,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of 2,075 patients participated in cancer clinical trials to study new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 123 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNM Cancer Center were awarded $38.3 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 750 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery.

Website: unmhealth.org/cancer

See the Position Description for additional information.

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

* Experience supporting population science, cancer research, genomics, or translational research programs within an academic, clinical, or research environment.

* Knowledge of biobanking operations, including biospecimen collection, processing, tracking, storage, and distribution procedures.

* Experience coordinating multi-site, national, or international research studies and collaborating with external partners.

* Demonstrated experience with research project management

* Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

* Proficiency with research databases, data management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and other research administration tools.

* Experience working with faculty investigators, clinicians, trainees, and community partners to advance research and programmatic objectives.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across departments, institutions, and research networks.

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.