Laboratory Technicians

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a motivated Laboratory Technician for the Mills Lab. This role involves performing experimental research and assisting with laboratory operations, utilizing advanced tools for neuroscience research.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences discipline, with two years of experience in a wet lab setting. Responsibilities include collaborating on research projects and performing various techniques, including behavioral testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline preferred in Neuroscience.
• Two or more years of experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Excellent organizational abilities and experience in laboratory management.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior lab personnel for neuroscience research.
• Perform experimental techniques including stereotaxic injections.
• Conduct brain tissue processing and microscopy.
• Analyze data and prepare reports.
• Manage laboratory supplies.
• Maintain a clean laboratory environment.

Skills

Laboratory management

Data analysis

Communication

Rodent handling

Stereotaxic injections

Behavioral testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences (Neuroscience preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Laboratory Technician

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the Mills Lab in a junior Lab Technician role. Our team uses cutting edge tools such as UCLA miniscopes, Neuropixels probes, and optogenetics to record and manipulate neural circuits in vivo. We combine these techniques with computational analysis of behavior to uncover circuit‑level mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors. Visit our lab website for more information: www.themillslab.com. In this role you will play an important part conducting experimental research and assisting with laboratory operations, providing an ideal position for preparing for future graduate studies.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive in listing all duties and qualifications required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior laboratory personnel to plan and execute neuroscience research experiments.
• Perform a variety of experimental techniques, including stereotaxic injections and probe implantation, in vivo imaging, and behavioral testing in mice.
• Conduct brain tissue processing, fixation, and microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret research data, preparing reports summarizing results.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering and stocking materials and equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, including disinfecting and equipment maintenance.
• Assist in the care of research animals and colony maintenance.

Problem Solving

In this role, you will use your independent judgment and knowledge of scientific techniques to address research challenges. You may also collaborate with senior researchers to find solutions to complex scientific problems.

Work Environment

• Office environment (often).
• Exposure to laboratory hazards (often), including chemicals and infectious materials.
• Exposure to animals (often).

Physical Requirements

• Hearing, listening, and talking (nearly continuously).
• Repetitive hand motion, walking, standing, and sitting (often).
• Bending and reaching overhead (seldom).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline with a preference for a specialization in Neuroscience.
• Two or more years of experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Excellent organizational abilities and experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel.

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).

Job Levels

Laboratory Technician, I – Requires little to no related experience.

Laboratory Technician, II – Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Preferences

• Two or more years of full‑time experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Proficiency in rodent handling, survival surgery (stereotaxic injections), behavioral testing, and histology.
• Skills in data analysis, preferably experience with MATLAB or Python programming languages.