Laboratory Aides

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah is seeking an entry level Laboratory Aide I in the Ophthalmology-Research department for the Steele Center for Translational Medicine (SCTM). The role supports non-technical lab procedures and helps maintain facilities, equipment and records related to AMD and glaucoma research.

Responsibilities include filing and maintaining research records, operating lab equipment, and assisting with collection and processing of donor eyes and related specimens per protocol.

Qualifications

• EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience.
• Laboratory Aide, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Responsibilities

• File and maintain research records and logs of research data.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment usage and maintenance.
• Knowledge of ocular structure and pathology, specifically AMD and glaucoma.
• Availability to perform on-call functions, including collecting donor eyes and processing per protocol.

Education

1 year of higher education substituted for 1 year of related work experience

Job description

Friday 5p-8a, Saturdays 8a – 8a (Sunday)

Is this a work study job?

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department

Department 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range 12.50

Close Date

Close Date 11/22/2026

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

Job Summary

The Steele Center for Translational Medicine ( SCTM ) aims to identify therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ) and its newest initiative, glaucoma, two leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. The SCTM is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers, clinicians, clinical staff, and national/international collaborators.
Our scientific efforts center around unique resources, including a collection of over 8,000 pairs of donated human eyes – complete with full genetic profiles, images, and ophthalmic and medical histories – and a large study cohort of AMD and glaucoma patients.
This research aims to help better understand genotype-directed disease mechanisms, identify causal pathways and targets, and develop novel therapies to halt blinding eye diseases.
Performs non-technical procedures in a research laboratory and maintains laboratory facilities, equipment and records.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• File and maintain research records and logs of research data.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment usage and maintenance.
• Knowledge of ocular structure and pathology, specifically as it relates to age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ) and glaucoma.
  • This will be taught to candidates once hired
• Availability to perform on-call functions. These functions include
  • Collect human donor eyes and related tissue and blood specimens and process them according to research protocol
  • Maintain the physical environment of the lab.

The incumbent follows well-established laboratory procedures to complete work. Sensitive or unusual situations are referred to the supervisor. Work is performed under the close supervision of senior laboratory personnel. Work is frequently reviewed for accuracy and to ensure adherence to research protocols.

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/lab environment
• Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (exposure to chemicals).
• Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

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

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Laboratory Aide, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Preferences

Would prefer, but not required, to have a work history in a research lab. This is an entry level position and on-the- job training is provided. The ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions; the ability to keep accurate records; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. A general knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment and terminology; the ability to operate and care for laboratory equipment; and a knowledge of appropriate specimen handling techniques preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Special Instructions Summary

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 .
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of completed education?
  • None
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
• * How many years of related work experience do you have?
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more, but less