Lab Specialist

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntsman Cancer Institute seeks an experienced Lab Specialist to perform advanced laboratory techniques and procedures in a research setting. Responsibilities include supporting animal model studies and assisting the Principal Investigator with protocol design and data analysis.

The incumbent works independently under general supervision, may train staff, and contributes to developing research protocols and interpreting results.

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.
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs standard and complex lab tests and experiments for studies.
• Assists PI in design and modification of protocols and techniques.
• Reviews journals and literature for procedures and methods.
• Performs statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports.
• Operates and teaches use of advanced laboratory and surgical instruments.
• Maintains a log of supplies used in procedures.
• May supervise laboratory personnel and assist with budgets.
• Prepares equipment and rooms for studies.
• Assists with budget preparation.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Statistical calculations

Communication skills

Scientific experimentation

Education

Bachelor's in science

Job description

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

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.

Responsibilities

• 1. Performs and/or directs the performance of standard and complex lab tests and experiments and/or surgical procedures for studies.
• 2. Assists the Principal Investigator in the design, implementation and performance of new protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques.
• 3. Reviews scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information concerning experimental procedures.
• 4. Makes advanced statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results.
• 5. Operates complex and highly specialized laboratory and surgical instruments and equipment. Instructs others in their use.
• 6. Maintains a log of supplies used in procedures.
• 7. May supervise, train and review the work of laboratory personnel.
• 8. May prepare equipment and rooms for studies.
• 9. 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.

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.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

https://oeo.utah.edu This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

• * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have two or more years of full-time laboratory experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Indicate your level of knowledge and/or experience in making statistical calculations, analyzing results, preparing reports, and performing specialized tests:
  • None
  • Minimal
  • Moderate
  • Extensive
• Do you have any current relatives working in HCI? (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter