Research Specialists

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gordts Lab at the University of Utah is seeking a Research Specialist to join a growing, collaborative team focused on glycosaminoglycan signaling in metabolism and disease. You will launch and maintain lab operations, oversee mouse colonies, and support experimental workflows with immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and cell culture-based assays.

Responsibilities include managing inventory, assisting with compliance, SOP development, and contributing to publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science field with at least 3 years of full-time laboratory experience.
• Experience with mouse handling and colony management.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a dynamic research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a transgenic mouse colony, including breeding, genotyping, and husbandry coordination.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and molecular assays including PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA; analyze data and interpret results.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in life science

3+ years lab experience

Mouse handling & colony management

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Independent work in dynamic setting

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalency) in life science

Master’s degree (or equivalency)

Job description

Details

Open Date 09/29/2026

Requisition Number PRN46285B

Job Title Research Specialists

Working Title Research Specialists

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P2 - Developing, 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

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 01337 - Molecular Medicine Program

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range Depends on Experience

Close Date 12/31/2026

Job Summary

Research Specialists

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty.

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

Research Specialist, I

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.

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

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.

Job Code: P56431

Grade: P12

Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386

Research Specialist, II

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.

Job Code: P56432

Grade: P13

Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625

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The Gordts Lab in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join a newly established and highly collaborative research team. Our lab focuses on understanding how glycosaminoglycans, such as heparan sulfate, regulate signaling pathways involved in metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular disease. Using a combination of in vivo mouse models, cell-based systems, and biochemical approaches, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance. This position is ideal for a motivated and experienced laboratory professional who thrives in a dynamic and evolving research environment. The Research Specialist will play a central role in launching and maintaining lab operations, overseeing the health and productivity of mouse colonies, and supporting key experimental workflows. Duties will include advanced technical procedures such as immunohistochemistry, microscopy, tissue processing, and cell culture-based assays. In addition to experimental support, the successful candidate will manage inventory, assist with IACUC and biosafety compliance, and help establish standard operating procedures for new trainees and junior staff. This is a rare opportunity to help build a lab from the ground up and contribute directly to impactful research in metabolism and glycobiology. We are seeking someone who is reliable, independent, detail-oriented, and excited to take ownership of critical lab functions while contributing intellectually to the lab’s research goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) – At least 3 years of full-time laboratory experience – Demonstrated experience with mouse handling and colony management – Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques – Ability to work independently and proactively in a dynamic research environment – Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a transgenic mouse colony, including breeding, genotyping, and husbandry coordination – Assist with animal procedures including injections, dissections, and tissue collection – Perform mammalian cell culture and maintain immortalized and/or primary cell lines – Conduct molecular biology and biochemical assays including PCR , qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA – Perform immunostaining and imaging of cells and tissue sections – Apply independent judgment in assessing the validity of data and interpreting results

• Devise, refine, and implement new techniques or modify existing ones using advanced knowledge – Prepare, operate, and maintain laboratory and experimental testing equipment – Direct lab operations including the hiring, onboarding, and training of new personnel – Manage day-to-day lab operations, including ordering supplies, inventory tracking, and equipment maintenance – Ensure compliance with institutional safety, biosafety, and IACUC protocols – Maintain laboratory records, SOPs, and assist with protocol development – May co-author research papers and publications – May represent the lab and University at research meetings and conferences

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and scope of responsibilities for the Research Specialist role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support the evolving needs of the laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field – Experience in a laboratory manager or senior technician role – Familiarity with University of Utah systems – Experience with histology, microscopy, or quantitative image analysis – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

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.

Research Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Type Benefited Staff

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 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.