Research Scientist III

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

Job summary

University of Utah Health Research in Salt Lake City, UT is seeking an experienced Research Scientist III to support preclinical studies involving mice and rats. The role focuses on performing surgical procedures with a strong emphasis on animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have technical experience in rodent surgery, anesthesia management, perioperative care, and aseptic technique. This is a full-time, day-shift position within a Benefited Staff environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of rodent surgery experience in a research setting.
• Experience with aseptic surgical technique, rodent anesthesia and survival surgery; telemetry and electrode implantation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform survival and non-survival surgical procedures in mice and rats.
• Conduct telemetry implantation surgeries for EEG monitoring studies.
• Prepare animals for surgery, including anesthesia induction and perioperative monitoring.
• Administer and monitor inhalant and injectable anesthetics.
• Maintain detailed surgical, treatment, and animal health records.
• Assist in training research staff and students.

Skills

Rodent surgery

Telemetry

EEG monitoring

Anesthesia management

Aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalency) + 6 years

Master's degree (or equivalency) + 4 years

Job description

Details

Open Date 09/22/2026

Requisition Number PRN46270B

Job Title Research Scientists (non-PhD)

Working Title Research Scientist III

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P3 - Career, P2 - Developing

FLSA Code Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 00278 - Add Program

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $43,796-$84,833

Close Date 12/18/2026

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Research Scientist III to support preclinical research studies involving mice and rats. This position is responsible for performing both survival and non-survival surgical procedures, that can include, telemetry implantation, vascular cannulation, stereotaxic surgeries and other laboratory assays. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality surgical outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

Technical experience in rodent surgery, anesthesia management, perioperative care, and aseptic technique preferred.

Responsibilities

• Technical experience in rodent surgery, anesthesia management, perioperative care, and aseptic technique preferred.
• Independently perform survival and non-survival surgical procedures in mice and rats.
• Conduct telemetry implantation surgeries for EEG monitoring studies.
• Prepare animals for surgery, including anesthesia induction, surgical site preparation, and perioperative monitoring.
• Administer and monitor inhalant and injectable anesthetics.
• Conduct pre-operative and post-operative assessments and monitoring.
• Maintain detailed surgical, treatment, and animal health records.
• Perform animal husbandry tasks as needed, including health observations and routine handling.
• Prepare, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
• Recognize and promptly address post-operative complications, pain, or distress.
• Assist in surgical training of research staff and students.
• Maintain and troubleshoot surgical and monitoring equipment.
• Assist in maintaining surgical suites, supplies, and inventories.

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 bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Research Scientist, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience performing rodent surgical procedures in a research environment.
• Experience with Aseptic surgical technique, rodent anesthesia, analgesia and survival surgery.
• Experience with telemetry and electrode implantation.

Type Benefited Staff

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.

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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 .

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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.