Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Vor Ort; USD 27.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah is seeking two Research Specialists to join our team. You will provide technical support for daily laboratory operations and help explore new projects in immunology, metabolism, and organoid models.

Under supervision of the PI and senior staff, you will perform tests in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and animal-related work, maintain records, and assist with safety and inventory.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required with 2–6 years related experience per lab level.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques and standard lab practices.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team and document procedures.

Aufgaben

• Perform biochemical, molecular biology, cell culture, and/or rodent work as directed.
• Document procedures and results; assist with data analysis and reporting.
• Maintain lab inventory; order supplies and ensure lab safety compliance.
• Assist with care of animals and tissue collection as needed.
• Assist PI and senior staff in implementing research procedures and literature reviews.

Kenntnisse

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemisty

Molecular biology basics

Cell biology basics

Good communication skills

Computers (PC/MAC)

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree (or equivalency) in Biology, Chemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe products

Jobbeschreibung

Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

The Yajing Gao Lab in theDepartment of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunologyseeks two motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialists tojoin our exciting team.

The scientific mission of the Gao Lab is to understand theregulatory mechanism of lipid homeostasis in immune-tissuemetabolism in human tissue and organoids, and animal models. Ourgoal is to demystify inflammation and metabolic diseases. Our labutilizes various biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiologyapproaches, and cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics,high-resolution imaging, among other high-throughputtechniques.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and seniorlaboratory personnel, the Research Specialists will workcollaboratively in a team to provide technical support to dailylaboratory operation as well as exploring new projects in the lab.This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate interestedin gaining hands‑on research experience before pursuing graduate,medical, or other health professional training.

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

Responsibilities

P1 | Research Specialist I (Job Code P56431) Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignmentsas directed. Closely supervised and with little latitude forindependent judgment.

P2 | Research Specialist II (Job CodeP56432) Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conductswork assignments of increasing complexity, under moderatesupervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

P3 | Research Specialist III (Job CodeP56433) Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conductscomplex, important work under minimal supervision and with widelatitude for independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs tests and procedures (biochemistry, molecular biology,cell culture, and/or rodent models) using laboratory equipment. Examples of specific work: cell culturemaintenance, generating stable cells lines, primary cell cultures,and organoids; cell biology experiments such as gene transfer,CRISPR editing, immunostaining, cellular phenotyping; molecularcloning; RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and analysis (PCR,RT-PCR, western blot); immunocytochemistry andimmunohistochemistry; transformation and generating DNA plasmids;performing PCR and gel electrophoresis.
2. Documents research procedure and results; Makes statisticalcalculations, basic data analysis and interpretation; Plots andprepares reports summarizing result; Maintains database ofexperimental results.
3. Provides technical assistance in the lab, including assistingother members of the lab.
4. May supervise the care of research animals; perform tissuecollection from mice and animal colony maintenance (tissue biopsy,colony maintenance, genotyping).
5. Confers with PI and senior laboratory personnel regarding theprocedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research andrecommends modifications as needed.
6. Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and informationto be utilized in research.
7. Assists laboratory operation: catalogs and maintains laboratoryinventory, orders laboratory supplies and materials, preparesstandard buffers/media and chemicals, manages regular maintenanceof lab equipment, assists with training of incoming personnel, andassists with maintenance of lab safety records and standardoperation procedures.

This job description is not designed to contain or beinterpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties,responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assignedto the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.Often: Exposure toanimals and potential infectious disease, noise, hazards (proximityto moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure tochemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitivehand motion (such as typing and pipetting), walking, standing,sitting.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher educationcan be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience(Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related workexperience).

Department may hire employee at one of thefollowing job levels:

Research Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor's (orequivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or amaster's (or equivalency) degree.

Research Specialist,II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or amaster's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related workexperience.

Research Specialist, III: Requires abachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (orequivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology,Immunology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or relatedfield.
• General working knowledge of basic molecular biology/cellbiology/genetic techniques and principles.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well withinteams.
• Understanding of relevant protocols, journal articles, andequipment manuals; knowledge of standard laboratory equipment andsupplies.
• Working knowledge and ability with computers (PC and MACoperating systems), and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobeproducts, etc.).
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for labexperiments.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures for handlingchemical, biohazard, and medical waste.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and toswitch focus as needed.
• Excellent attention to detail; ability to keep accurate andorganized lab records.
• Good organization and time management skills. Alwayspunctual.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and new labequipment as needed.
• General knowledge of university procedures and compliance withenvironmental health safety and university guidelines.
• Prior laboratory experience through coursework or undergraduateresearch.
• Strong interest in immunology, physiology, and/ormetabolism.
• Willingness to work with transgenic animal (rodent)models.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime in order to meetdeadlines related to grant applications and publications.

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

• Cover Letter outlining experiences and interests.
• CV.
• Title and contact information of up to three references.

Requisition Number

PRN46571B

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday (hours can vary).Occasional evenings and weekends. 40 hours per week. This is anon-site position at the Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building(map).

Department

00247 - Pathology

Location

Campus

Pay Rate Range

27,194 - 70,151

Close Date

01/22/2027