Lab Aide - Eye Call

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 14,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Utah’s Steele Center for Translational Medicine seeks a part-time Lab Aide to support ophthalmology research. The role involves handling specimens, maintaining records, and assisting with lab operations under supervision.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, capable of following written and verbal instructions, and able to learn laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Previous lab experience is beneficial but not required.

Qualifications

• Entry level position; on-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

• File and maintain research records and logs of research data.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment usage and maintenance.
• Bloodborne pathogen exposure prevention.
• Knowledge of ocular structure and pathology, specifically AMD and glaucoma.
• Collect human donor eyes and related tissue and blood specimens and process them according to research protocol.
• Maintain the physical environment of the lab.

Job description

Lab Aide - Eye Call

Job Summary

The Steele Center for Translational Medicine(SCTM) aims to identify therapeutic targets forage-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its newest initiative,glaucoma, two leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. TheSCTM is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and appliedresearchers, clinicians, clinical staff, and national/internationalcollaborators. Our scientific efforts center around unique resources, including acollection of over 8,000 pairs of donated human eyes – completewith full genetic profiles, images, and ophthalmic and medicalhistories – and a large study cohort of AMD and glaucomapatients. This research aims to help better understand genotype-directeddisease mechanisms, identify causal pathways and targets, anddevelop novel therapies to halt blinding eye diseases. Performs non-technical procedures in a research laboratory andmaintains laboratory facilities, equipment and records.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• File and maintain research records and logs of research data.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment usage and maintenance.
• Bloodborne pathogen exposure prevention.
• Knowledge of ocular structure and pathology, specifically as it relates to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
  • This will be taught to candidates once hired
• Availability to perform on-call functions. These functions include:
  • Collect human donor eyes and related tissue and blood specimens and process them according to research protocol
  • Maintain the physical environment of the lab.

The incumbent follows well-established laboratory procedures to complete work. Sensitive or unusual situations are referred to the supervisor. Work is performed under the close supervision of senior laboratory personnel. Work is frequently reviewed for accuracy and to ensure adherence to research protocols.

Work environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

• Nearly Continuously: office/lab environment
• Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (exposure to chemicals).
• Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

• Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, and talking.
• Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
• Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Laboratory Aide, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Preferences

Would prefer, but not required, to have a work history in a research lab. This is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided. The ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions; the ability to keep accurate records; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. A general knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment and terminology; the ability to operate and care for laboratory equipment; and a knowledge of appropriate specimen handling techniques preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Requisition Number: PRN17402N

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Work Schedule Summary: Friday 5p-8a, Saturdays 8a – 8a(Sunday)

Department: 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 12.50

Close Date: 11/22/2026

Open Until Filled: