Research Specialist I (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

University of Utah Health Research; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 27,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefited Staff

Job summary

The Bapat Lab in the Department of Pathology at University of Utah Health Research seeks a Research Specialist I to support immunology-focused experiments using mouse models and primary immune cells. You will engage in in vivo and in vitro studies, tissue processing, and molecular assays, contributing to data organization and lab operations.

The role offers opportunities to develop expertise in advanced immunology techniques and to contribute to ongoing projects within a dynamic academic

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
• Experience with immunology, molecular biology or related biomedical discipline preferred.
• Experience with mouse models and tissue collection is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models of inflammation, obesity, and cancer.
• Maintain and manage genetically modified mouse colonies and genotyping records.
• Isolate and process primary immune cells from mouse tissues for analyses.
• Perform primary immune cell culture and in vitro stimulation assays.
• Prepare samples for flow cytometry, sequencing and other molecular analyses.
• Document results and maintain accurate lab notebooks and electronic records.
• Support lab operations, including reagent prep, inventory and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Mouse handling

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Molecular assays

Genotyping

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

PCR

RNA isolation

Genomics sequencing

Job description

Open Date

10/21/2026

Requisition Number

PRN46565B

Job Title

Research Specialists

Working Title

Research Specialist I (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

Career Progression Track

P00

Track Level

P1 - Entry Level Pro

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, 40 hours per week, variable schedule based on needs of lab.

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

27,194 - 52,706

Close Date

01/21/2027

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

Job Summary

The Bapat Lab in the Department of Pathology investigates how the immune system regulates tissue physiology, inflammation, and disease, with particular emphasis on immunometabolism, tissue immune memory, and cancer immunology.

We seek a motivated Research Specialist I to support experimental studies using mouse models, primary immune cell cultures, and molecular and cellular immunology approaches.

The successful candidate will participate in the execution of in vivo and in vitro experiments, including mouse colony management, tissue processing, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, and molecular assays.

Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate experimental records, organizing and analyzing data, and contributing to the overall scientific and operational activities of the laboratory. The position provides opportunities to develop expertise in advanced experimental immunology and contribute to ongoing research projects.

See: https://bapatlab.org

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

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models of inflammation, obesity, and cancer, including animal handling, experimental treatments, sample collection, and tissue harvesting under approved protocols.
• Maintain and manage genetically modified mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, colony records, and coordination of experimental cohorts.
• Isolate and process primary cells from mouse tissues, including skin, adipose tissue, lymphoid organs, and tumors, for downstream cellular and molecular analyses.
• Perform primary immune cell culture, in vitro stimulation assays, and other cell-based experiments using established protocols.
• Prepare samples and perform immunological assays, including multicolor flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and molecular biology techniques.
• Assist in preparing samples for genomic and transcriptomic analyses, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and other high-dimensional profiling methods.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document experimental results; maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic research records.
• Support laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and compliance with institutional biosafety and animal research requirements.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, experimental discussions, and collaborative research activities.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.

Often: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing and pipetting), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

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 Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.

Preferences

• Prior research experience in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related biomedical discipline.
• Hands-on experience working with laboratory mice, including animal handling, breeding, genotyping, injections, and tissue collection.
• Experience with primary mammalian cell isolation and culture, particularly immune cells.
• Familiarity with multicolor flow cytometry, sample preparation, and basic analysis of flow cytometry data.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR , quantitative PCR , RNA isolation, and preparation of biological samples for sequencing.
• Experience with mouse models of inflammation, metabolic disease, or cancer.
• Strong organizational skills, careful experimental documentation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple experiments.
• Ability to work both independently under established protocols and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

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.

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