Research Specialists

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated individual for the role of Sr. Lab Specialist in Salt Lake City, Utah. You will join the Mills Lab team, utilizing cutting-edge neuroscience tools and techniques to study neural circuits and motivated behaviors. Responsibilities include executing experiments, data analysis, and maintaining laboratory operations. A Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline and two years of wet-lab experience are necessary. The position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of full-time experience in a wet-lab research setting.
• Effective communication skills and collaboration with senior personnel.
• Proficiency in rodent handling and survival surgery.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute neuroscience research experiments.
• Perform experimental techniques, including imaging and behavioral testing.
• Analyze and interpret research data, preparing reports.

Skills

Organizational abilities

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Research Specialists

Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the Mills Lab as a Sr. Lab Specialist. The team uses cutting‑edge tools such as UCLA miniscopes, Neuropixels probes, and optogenetics to record and manipulate neural circuits in vivo. These techniques are combined with computational analysis of behavior to uncover circuit‑level mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior laboratory personnel to plan and execute neuroscience research experiments.
• Perform a variety of experimental techniques, including stereotaxic injections, probe implantation, in vivo imaging, and behavioral testing in mice.
• Conduct brain tissue processing, fixation, and microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret research data, preparing reports summarizing results.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering and stocking materials and equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, including disinfecting and equipment maintenance.
• Assist in the care of research animals and colony maintenance.

Problem Solving

Use independent judgment and knowledge of scientific techniques to address research challenges, collaborating with senior researchers to find solutions to complex scientific problems.

Work Environment

• Office environment (often).
• Exposure to laboratory hazards (often), including chemicals and infectious materials.
• Exposure to animals (often).

Physical Requirements

• Hearing, listening, and talking (nearly continuously).
• Repetitive hand motion, walking, standing, and sitting (often).
• Bending and reaching overhead (seldom).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline with a preference for Neuroscience.
• Two or more years of full‑time experience in a wet‑lab research setting.
• Excellent organizational abilities and experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: One year of higher education can be substituted for one year of directly related work experience (e.g., a bachelor's degree equals four years of directly related work experience).

Preferences

• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field.
• Two or more years of full‑time experience in a wet‑lab research setting.
• Proficiency in rodent handling, survival surgery (stereotaxic injections), behavioral testing, and histology.
• Skills in data analysis, preferably experience with MATLAB or Python programming languages.