Lab Technician

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

The Cellular Translational Research Core (CTRC) seeks a motivated undergraduate for a part-time Lab Technician role in our biorepository. You’ll assist with organizing samples and cryostorage containers so that there is accurate data entry in our Lab Management Information System (LIMS). A key task will be helping transition our sample collection to OpenSpecimen, a new LIMS we are implementing. This role offers valuable lab experience and flexibility for your academic schedule—ideal if you enjoy process improvement and want to contribute to a research environment.

The CTRC is a service-oriented laboratory. Our primary mission is to provide laboratory services, support, and expertise to investigators to accelerate their research. If qualified and interested, please apply and join our stimulating and rewarding core team.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Able to lift and handle somewhat heavy freezer towers (approximately 25 lbs).
• Must have skilled hands, with technical precision and meticulous attention to experimental details.
• Capable of properly handling precious and irreplaceable biospecimens without compromising their integrity.
• Skilled and precise when handling frozen samples.
• Familiarity with the safe handling of liquid nitrogen and other cryopreservation hazards.
• Competent computer skills, including basic knowledge of sample tracking software.
• High-level quality control is essential, maintaining 100% accuracy in labeling, sample identification, and tracking.
• Ability to perform tests and procedures using sophisticated laboratory equipment.
• Identify, follow, and modify key protocols as needed to meet the lab’s specific requirements.
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly with customers in a friendly, knowledgeable, and timely manner.
• Professionalism and excellent customer service are expected, given the facility’s close interaction with numerous investigators.

Problem-Solving

This position assists senior laboratory personnel in planning methods and techniques. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. If the incumbent cannot find a resolution, the situation is referred to the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills 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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work Environment:

• 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:

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

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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.