Research Scientist II PhD (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

University of Utah Health Research; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 44,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah Health Bapat Lab in Salt Lake City seeks a Research Scientist II (PhD) to advance studies on immune system roles in tissue physiology, metabolism, inflammatory disease, and cancer. The successful candidate will design and execute experiments, focusing on T cell biology and immunometabolism, using mouse models and high-dimensional genomic technologies.

Responsibilities include developing approaches, conducting cellular and molecular assays, analyzing datasets, and

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or related field.
• Experience in cellular or molecular immunology, especially T cell biology.
• Hands-on in vivo mouse experiments with genetically modified strains.
• Experience with primary immune cell isolation and multicolor flow cytometry.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute mechanistic research on immune cell function in inflammation, metabolic disease, tissue immune memory, and cancer.
• Perform in vivo mouse studies using genetically modified models and disease models.
• Develop molecular and genetic approaches, including CRISPR-based strategies and gene expression analyses.
• Prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals; mentor junior staff.

Skills

T cell biology

In vivo experiments

Molecular immunology

Experimental design

Education

PhD in immunology

Tools

CRISPR

Flow cytometry

RNA-Seq

Single-cell RNA-Seq

Job description

Open Date: 10/21/2026

Requisition Number: PRN46568B

Job Title: Research Scientists (PhD)

Working Title: Research Scientist II PhD (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

Career Progression Track: L00

Track Level: L2 - Developing

FLSA Code: Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No

Standard Hours per Week: 40

Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time

Shift: Day

Work Schedule Summary: On site, variable schedule based on needs of lab. 40 hours per week @ 1.00 FTE ; 30 hours per week @ 0.75 FTE .

VP Area: U of U Health - Academics

Department: 00247 - Pathology

Location: Campus

City: Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment: External Posting

Pay Rate Range: 43,796 - 84,883

Close Date: 01/21/2027

Job Summary

The Bapat Lab in the Department of Pathology seeks a Research Scientist II to advance studies investigating the fundamental roles of the immune system in tissue physiology, metabolic regulation, inflammatory disease, and cancer.

Our research integrates mouse models, cellular and molecular immunology, genetic perturbation approaches, and high-dimensional genomic technologies to identify mechanisms through which immune cells respond to and regulate physiological states.

The successful candidate will independently design, execute, and interpret mechanistic experiments investigating immune cell function in vivo and in vitro, with particular emphasis on T cell biology, tissue immunology, immunometabolism, and cancer immunology.

Responsibilities include developing experimental approaches, performing advanced cellular and molecular assays, analyzing complex datasets, contributing to manuscripts and research proposals, and collaborating with other laboratory members. The position offers opportunities for substantial scientific contributions to ongoing and emerging research programs.

NOTE : This is a full-time, fully benefited position that can accommodate a 1.00 FTE /40 hour per week employee, or a 0.75 FTE /30 hour per week employee.

See: https://bapatlab.org

Learn about the great benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute mechanistic research projects investigating immune cell function in inflammation, metabolic disease, tissue immune memory, and cancer.
• Conduct and oversee in vivo studies using genetically modified mouse models, including models of tissue inflammation, obesity, tumor growth, and immune cell function.
• Perform advanced cellular immunology experiments, including primary immune cell isolation, T cell culture, activation, differentiation, and functional assays.
• Develop and implement molecular and genetic approaches to investigate immune regulatory pathways, including gene expression analyses, conditional genetic perturbations, and CRISPR-based strategies.
• Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting experiments to characterize immune cell populations and functional states across tissues.
• Generate and interpret molecular and genomic datasets, including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, chromatin accessibility profiling, and related high-dimensional approaches.
• Independently analyze, integrate, and critically interpret experimental results; formulate hypotheses and design follow-up experiments to establish underlying biological mechanisms.
• Prepare scientific figures, research reports, manuscripts, presentations, and materials supporting grant applications and collaborative projects.
• Contribute to the scientific training and mentorship of junior laboratory members, provide technical guidance, and support the development and optimization of laboratory methods.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, interdisciplinary collaborations, and scientific discussions while maintaining rigorous standards of reproducibility, documentation, and research compliance.

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).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Research Scientist, II: Requires a PhD in a scientific discipline and 4+ years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in cellular or molecular immunology, particularly T cell biology, tissue immunology, regulatory T cells, or immune responses in inflammatory disease.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing and conducting in vivo experiments using laboratory mice, including genetically modified strains and disease models.
• Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture, functional characterization, and multicolor flow cytometry.
• Expertise in molecular biology and genetic approaches, including PCR, quantitative PCR, gene expression analysis, and genetic perturbation techniques.
• Experience with mouse models of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, tissue inflammation, cancer, or related immunological conditions.
• Familiarity with single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomic profiling, or computational analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets.
• Strong record of experimental problem-solving, independent scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and communication of research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects, collaborate effectively, and contribute to scientific manuscripts.

Type

Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Anticipated start date: January 2027.

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: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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

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.