Lab Assistant

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 14,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntsman Cancer Institute, part of the University of Utah, is seeking a research assistant to perform molecular and cellular biology experiments using mammalian cells and mouse models under the PI's supervision.

The role involves assisting with protocols, data analysis, and maintaining detailed records in a collaborative cancer biology environment.

Qualifications

• One year full-time laboratory experience or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment and terminology.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized experiments using mammalian cells and mouse models.
• Assist PIs in protocols, modify existing techniques.
• Make statistical calculations, analyze data, and prepare reports.

Skills

Lab experience

Team orientation

Effective communication

Motivation for discovery

Education

Bachelor or Master in Biology/biochemistry/cell biology or equivalent scientific discipline

Tools

None

Job description

Job Summary

Performs research laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology, drug efficacy testing, cancer biology, epigenomics using mammalian cell culture and mouse model systems under the supervision of the principal investigator.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities

• Performs specialized experiments using mammalian cells and the mouse model using techniques related to cell and molecular biology, cancer biology and therapeutics. (45%)
• Assists the Principal Investigators in implementation and performance of protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques (35%)
• Makes statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results (15%)
• Operates specialized laboratory instruments and equipment. Instructs others in their use (5%)
• Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records (5%)
• May train other laboratory personnel (5%)

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

One year full-time laboratory experience or equivalency required (one year full-time lab equivalency equals successful completion of two semesters college laboratory course work); knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment and terminology as well as knowledge of chemical and physical properties of materials or substances and appropriate specimen handling techniques required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell biology or other equivalent scientific disciplines.
• Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture is preferred.
• Demonstrated team orientation, strong organizational skills and effective communication skills.
• Highly motivated toward discovery and application of findings to human health.
• Working knowledge of basic statistical calculations and software.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
• This position DOES NOT involve processing and testing clinical samples for diseases.
• Previous experience in laboratory research is preferred.
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry techniques are preferred.
• Our laboratory is grounded on the principle of hard work and innovative discoveries. The successful candidate will share these values.
• A highly motivated, intrinsically curious, detail-oriented, reliable and flexible individual is preferred.
• Those who intend to go to graduate or medical school after a 2-year period and require laboratory experience and publication record are strongly encouraged to apply.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45612B

Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

Department: 01451 - HCI Mahesh Chandrasekharan Lab

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 9.62 to 17.31

Close Date: 10/20/2026

Open Until Filled