Research Scientists (PhD)

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah ORL is seeking a Research Scientist to lead scientific and operational efforts from concept to study completion, ensuring safe, compliant laboratory operations and driving productivity.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field, and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with equivalent experience in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or related field.
• Strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Hands-on research experience and collaborative problem solving.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end project management of research studies.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and upgrade laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate EHS documentation and laboratory inspections.
• Train faculty, staff, and trainees on equipment and procedures.
• Oversee tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal.
• Support purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting for laboratory operations.
• Collect, track, and report laboratory utilization and performance metrics.

Skills

Project management

Biomechanical testing

Medical imaging

3D modeling

Programming

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in engineering/biomechanics/biomedical sciences

Tools

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

SPSS

Stata

Job description

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

Job Summary

The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL , providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands‑on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem‑solving is essential.

This position offers a long‑term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department’s missions of discovery, innovation, and education.

Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL , the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.

The Research Scientist provides end‑to‑end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry‑sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.

Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB , Python, LabVIEW, SPSS , and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.

In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day‑to‑day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.

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

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end project management
• Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
• Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
• Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety ( EHS ) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
• Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
• Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
• Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
• Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
• Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.

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, III : Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 6+ years of directly related work experience.

Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 8+ years of directly related work experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
• Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB , Python, LabVIEW, SPSS , or Stata.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferences

• Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
• Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
• Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
• Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.

Type

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 .

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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.