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Lead research specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Ben Brown,

John Nielsen Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical lead research specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for lead research specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.9% of lead research specialist resumes contained laboratory tests as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a lead research specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 lead research specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Laboratory Tests

Here's how lead research specialists use laboratory tests:

Perform a variety of specialized and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.
Performed laboratory tests to isolate and analyze immune cells and SIV and HIV viral components.

2. Experimental Procedures

Here's how lead research specialists use experimental procedures:

Investigate and propose alternative experimental procedures for consideration by a principal investigator.

3. Laboratory Techniques

Here's how lead research specialists use laboratory techniques:

Supervised training of post docs and graduate students in general and molecular laboratory techniques.
Train personnel on laboratory techniques and procedures.

4. Laboratory Processes

Here's how lead research specialists use laboratory processes:

Supervised laboratory processes to maintain quality of research and personal safety of lab personnel.
Monitor laboratory processes to maintain quality assurance standards.

5. Complex Research

Here's how lead research specialists use complex research:

Presented complex research findings in both written and verbal forms.

6. Hazardous Substances

Here's how lead research specialists use hazardous substances:

Monitor the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances as well as controlled substances.
Monitor and handle storage and disposal of hazardous substances.

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7. Scientific Techniques

Here's how lead research specialists use scientific techniques:

Use independent judgment in applying or adapting scientific techniques.

8. Research Developments

Here's how lead research specialists use research developments:

Review literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings.

9. Western Blotting

Here's how lead research specialists use western blotting:

Validated antibody specificity using western blotting and ELISA-based assays.
Trained 1 student and 1 research scientist to conduct western blotting, both of whom can now perform the experiment independently.

10. Data Analysis

Here's how lead research specialists use data analysis:

Designed and reviewed experimental protocols and clinical trial data analysis for FDA submissions.
Trained three co-workers in procedures related to data collection, data analysis, and participant screening.

11. IRB

An institutional review board (IRB), is a form of committee that applies research ethics by vetting research procedures to ensure they are ethical. In order to decide whether or not research can be undertaken, they often perform a kind of risk-benefit analysis. The IRB's function is to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect the interests and health of humans who are participants of a research sample.

Here's how lead research specialists use irb:

Maintained correspondence with the IRB and R&D for five research studies, including creating amendments and continuing reviews.
Guaranteed that lab was up to date on all necessary training and Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.

12. Cell Culture Techniques

Here's how lead research specialists use cell culture techniques:

Trained new employees on proper cell culture techniques.
Helped design, performed and interpreted experiments involving cell culture techniques and HIV virology assays.

13. Molecular Biology Techniques

Here's how lead research specialists use molecular biology techniques:

Used molecular biology techniques to generate mutant protein forms along with inhibitor studies to develop a kinetic mechanism.
Trained over 10 students from various Kenyan and American universities on microbiology and molecular biology techniques.

14. Elisa

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA is an examination or test to measure and detect a person's specific antigen, antibodies, and protein. This type of test will identify if the sample component is infected with a relative disease or condition such as HIV infection, anemia, Zika Virus, and Lyme disease with just a single experiment.

Here's how lead research specialists use elisa:

Performed Antigen-Antibody ELISA including the use of radioactive tracers (RIA) to quantify trace amounts of antigen.
Utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify and measure HIV-1 infection.

15. Cell Lines

Here's how lead research specialists use cell lines:

Helped categorize different levels of STYK in breast cancer cell lines by isolating RNA and making cDNA.
Optimized the induction of lytic resistance by NK cells in target K562 and RAJI cell lines.

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What skills help Lead Research Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What lead research specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Ben Brown

Professor, Ohio State University

Always the soft skills of holding a conversation and working with people, regardless of the pandemic.

What technical skills for a lead research specialist stand out to employers?

John Nielsen Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Mediterranean World, Bradley University

History majors are problem-oriented and have the ability to work collaboratively. They are able to pull together disparate data, analyze it effectively, and present clear interpretations or solutions. These are skills that are transferable to multiple fields and industries and will always be valued by employers

What soft skills should all lead research specialists possess?

Dr. DeQuan Smith

Assistant Director, Graduate Education & Career Connections, Morehouse School of Medicine

Adaptability, collaboration, learning agility, emotional intelligence, creativity, interpersonal communication, growth mindset, focus mastery, and innovation.

Do you want to know more?

List of lead research specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a lead research specialist resume and required skills for a lead research specialist to have include:

Laboratory Tests
Experimental Procedures
Laboratory Techniques
Laboratory Processes
Complex Research
Hazardous Substances
Scientific Techniques
Research Developments
Western Blotting
Data Analysis
IRB

Cell Culture Techniques
Molecular Biology Techniques
Elisa
Cell Lines
Research Data
R
Genotyping
Assay Development
RT-PCR
Cell Biology
PI

Data Collection
Customer Calls
Behavioral Observations
Bsl2
Computer Graphics
Sops
Statistical Analysis
Sigma
Scientific Journals

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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