Lab Specialist

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntsman Cancer Institute in Campus is seeking a Lab Specialist to perform advanced laboratory techniques and support animal model studies as needed.

The incumbent will assist the Principal Investigator, modify procedures, and contribute to budgeting and training of staff while working under senior laboratory personnel to ensure rigorous research outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Two years of full-time laboratory experience.
• Strong human relations and communication skills.
• Ability to perform statistical calculations and analyze results.
• Knowledge of advanced scientific techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform and/or direct standard and complex lab tests and experiments.
• Assist PI in design and implementation of new protocols.
• Review scientific literature for procedures.
• Make advanced statistical calculations and report results.
• Operate and train others on specialized instruments.
• Maintain supplies log.
• May supervise laboratory personnel.
• May assist with budgets.

Skills

Statistical calculations

Effective communication

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field

Tools

Specialized lab instruments

Job description

Job Summary

Performs advanced laboratory techniques and procedures in a research laboratory. May provide veterinary technical support for animal model studies.

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.

• Performs and/or directs the performance of standard and complex lab tests and experiments and/or surgical procedures for studies.
• Assists the Principal Investigator in the design, implementation and performance of new protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques.
• Reviews scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information concerning experimental procedures.
• Makes advanced statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results.
• Operates complex and highly specialized laboratory and surgical instruments and equipment. Instructs others in their use.
• Maintains a log of supplies used in procedures.
• May supervise, train and review the work of laboratory personnel.
• May prepare equipment and rooms for studies.
• May assist with preparing budgets.

The Lab Specialist assists in the development of research protocols and designs. Modifies and implement procedures. Records and interprets research results. The incumbent works independently, under the general supervision of most senior laboratory personnel. Work may include training and supervising other laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. Problems that cannot be resolved by the incumbent will be referred to the most senior Lab personnel.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It 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

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or other scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years full-time laboratory experience; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Working knowledge of advanced scientific techniques and procedures as well as the ability to make statistical calculations, analyze results, prepare reports and perform specialized tests also required.

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

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Department

02280 - HCI Ramiro Garzon Lab

Location

Campus

Pay Rate Range

15.19 to 28.08

Close Date

10/21/2026