Research Specialist I (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

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

Job summary

University of Utah in Salt Lake City seeks a motivated Research Specialist I in Immunology (Bapat Lab) to support in vivo and in vitro studies using mouse models, primary immune cells, and molecular biology approaches. The role involves colony management, tissue processing, flow cytometry, and data analysis as part of a collaborative lab environment.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 2 years of related experience or a master’s degree, strong documentation habits, and

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 2 years of directly related work experience, or a master’s degree.
• Experience in immunology, molecular biology or related biomedical discipline preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous documentation are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models and collect samples.
• Maintain and manage genetically modified mouse colonies and cohorts.
• Isolate primary cells from mouse tissues for analyses.
• Perform primary cell culture and in vitro stimulation assays.
• Prepare samples for flow cytometry and molecular assays.
• Assist with RNA sequencing and genomic analyses.
• Record, organize and analyze experimental data and notes.
• Support lab operations, including reagents and equipment maintenance.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborative research.

Skills

Molecular biology

Animal handling

Data organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Flow cytometry

Genotyping

RNA sequencing prep

Job description

Research Specialist I (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

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

1. 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.
2. Maintain and manage genetically modified mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, colony records, and coordination of experimental cohorts.
3. Isolate and process primary cells from mouse tissues, including skin, adipose tissue, lymphoid organs, and tumors, for downstream cellular and molecular analyses.
4. Perform primary immune cell culture, in vitro stimulation assays, and other cell-based experiments using established protocols.
5. Prepare samples and perform immunological assays, including multicolor flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and molecular biology techniques.
6. Assist in preparing samples for genomic and transcriptomic analyses, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and other high-dimensional profiling methods.
7. Collect, organize, analyze, and document experimental results; maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic research records.
8. Support laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and compliance within institutional biosafety and animal research requirements.
9. 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.

Special Instructions

Anticipated start date: January 2027.

Applicants should submit a current CV or resume and a brief coverletter describing their relevant laboratory research experience, technical expertise, and scientific interests. Experience in experimental immunology, mouse models, and cellular or molecular biology is particularly relevant.

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: On site, 40 hours per week, variable schedule based on needs of lab.

Department: 00247 - Pathology

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 27,194 - 52,706

Close Date: 01/21/2027