Lab Technician

Utah Education Network; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Research Technician to join a dynamic lab focused on groundbreaking genetics research. This exciting role involves conducting experiments using Drosophila to explore protein functions and their implications in human health. You will develop and utilize innovative genetic and computational tools, collaborate with a talented team, and contribute to significant scientific discoveries. If you are passionate about genetics and eager to make a difference in the field, this position offers a fantastic opportunity for growth and learning in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required; experience with lab techniques preferred.
• Skilled in communication and problem-solving; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab research under supervision and participate in lab meetings.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and assist in reagent production as needed.

Skills

Drosophila genetics

DNA molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Cell culture

Imaging techniques

Statistical analysis

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Related scientific discipline

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

PCR

Western blotting

Confocal microscopy

AlphaFold

Job description

Working Title: Research Technician (Genetics – Justin Bosch lab)

Job Grade: C

FLSA Code: Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week: 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift: Day

Work Schedule Summary: To be determined with the supervisor. Approximately 9a-5p M-F.

VP Area: U of U Health - Academics

Department: 00246 - Human Genetics

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment: External Posting

Pay Rate Range: $15-$21

Close Date: 05/30/2025

Job Summary: The Bosch Lab at the University of Utah (https://www.boschlab.com/) invites applications for a lab technician position to support a variety of projects related to organ-organ communication. Our aim is to discover and study proteins in blood circulation – to understand which cells release them, where they go, what they do. To tackle these goals, we use the model organism Drosophila (fruit flies) to perform precise genetic experiments. We develop new genetic tools (e.g. TurboID, CRISPR) to identify, visualize, and perturb circulating proteins. We also develop computational tools (e.g. AlphaFold) to identify novel hormones and receptors. This work ultimately aims to study those fly proteins with conserved functions in all animals, with the hope to treat human diseases.

Duties may include:

• Drosophila genetics (e.g. maintaining fly stocks, fly crosses, gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9)
• DNA molecular biology (e.g. PCR, plasmid cloning, sequencing)
• Protein biochemistry (e.g. western blotting, pull-downs)
• Cell culture (e.g. transfection, antibiotic selection)
• Imaging (e.g. tissue dissection, antibody staining, confocal microscopy)
• Running protein structure programs (e.g. alphafold, chimerax)

Responsibilities will be modified as the technician gains experience in our lab.

Position start date: Flexible, no later than June ‘25. This job ad will remain posted until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts lab research under the guidance of the supervisor(s).
• Participates in lab meetings, shares research findings, and engages in discussion.
• Assists with the upkeep of the laboratory and production of reagents when necessary.
• Reviews scientific publications, protocols, and general knowledge via internet searching to prepare for and troubleshoot experiments, as well as to enhance the overall understanding of the research and techniques.

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 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.

Preferences:

• Demonstrated skills in written and verbal communication (e.g. keeping a lab notebook, email correspondence, slide presentations)
• Previous experience reading and discussing scientific publications
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and work independently
• Experience with molecular and cell biology lab techniques (e.g. preparing buffer solutions, sterile technique, pipetting, PCR, E.coli plasmid cloning, microscopy)
• Applicants who wish to work 1-2 years before applying to med school or grad school.

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 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.

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 Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.

Posting Specific Questions:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
• * Please indicate your knowledge and/or level of experience in complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances:

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]