Research Scientist II PhD (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

About the role

The Bapat Lab in the Department of Pathology seeks a Research Scientist II to advance studies investigating the fundamental roles of the immune system in tissue physiology, metabolic regulation, inflammatory disease, and cancer. Our research integrates mouse models, cellular and molecular immunology, genetic perturbation approaches, and high-dimensional genomic technologies to identify mechanisms through which immune cells respond to and regulate physiological states. The successful candidate will independently design, execute, and interpret mechanistic experiments investigating immune cell function in vivo and in vitro, with particular emphasis on T cell biology, tissue immunology, immunometabolism, and cancer immunology. Responsibilities include developing experimental approaches, performing advanced cellular and molecular assays, analyzing complex datasets, contributing to manuscripts and research proposals, and collaborating with other laboratory members. The position offers opportunities for substantial scientific contributions to ongoing and emerging research programs.

This is a full-time, fully benefited position that can accommodate a 1.00 FTE / 40 hour per week employee, or a 0.75 FTE / 30 hour per week employee. Learn more at bapatlab.org.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute mechanistic research projects investigating immune cell function in inflammation, metabolic disease, tissue immune memory, and cancer.
• Conduct and oversee in vivo studies using genetically modified mouse models, including models of tissue inflammation, obesity, tumor growth, and immune cell function.
• Perform advanced cellular immunology experiments, including primary immune cell isolation, T cell culture, activation, differentiation, and functional assays.
• Develop and implement molecular and genetic approaches to investigate immune regulatory pathways, including gene expression analyses, conditional genetic perturbations, and CRISPR-based strategies.
• Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting experiments to characterize immune cell populations and functional states across tissues.
• Generate and interpret molecular and genomic datasets, including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, chromatin accessibility profiling, and related high-dimensional approaches.
• Independently analyze, integrate, and critically interpret experimental results; formulate hypotheses and design follow-up experiments to establish underlying biological mechanisms.
• Prepare scientific figures, research reports, manuscripts, presentations, and materials supporting grant applications and collaborative projects.
• Contribute to the scientific training and mentorship of junior laboratory members, provide technical guidance, and support the development and optimization of laboratory methods.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, interdisciplinary collaborations, and scientific discussions while maintaining rigorous standards of reproducibility, documentation, and research compliance.

Work environment & physical requirements

Work Environment (frequency):

• Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.
• Often: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements (frequency):

• 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).

The department may hire at the following job level:

• Research Scientist II: Requires a PhD in a scientific discipline and 4+ years of directly related work experience.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in cellular or molecular immunology, particularly T cell biology, tissue immunology, regulatory T cells, or immune responses in inflammatory disease.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing and conducting in vivo experiments using laboratory mice, including genetically modified strains and disease models.
• Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture, functional characterization, and multicolor flow cytometry.
• Expertise in molecular biology and genetic approaches, including PCR, quantitative PCR, gene expression analysis, and genetic perturbation techniques.
• Experience with mouse models of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, tissue inflammation, cancer, or related immunological conditions.
• Familiarity with single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomic profiling, or computational analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets.
• Strong record of experimental problem-solving, independent scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and communication of research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects, collaborate effectively, and contribute to scientific manuscripts.

Pay

Pay rate range: $43,796 – $84,883 annually.

Schedule

On site, variable schedule based on needs of lab. 40 hours per week at 1.00 FTE, or 30 hours per week at 0.75 FTE. Day shift.

Benefits

Fully benefited position. See benefits.utah.edu for details on University of Utah benefits.

Additional information

Anticipated start date: January 2027. Applicants should provide a current CV, including relevant publications, and a brief cover letter describing their scientific background, technical expertise, and experience in experimental immunology. Applicants are encouraged to highlight experience with mouse models, immune cell biology, molecular or genetic approaches, and genomic analysis.

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 becoming eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS post-retirement rules and restrictions; contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 with questions.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. 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.

Per University of Utah policy 5-108, a new hire still serving a 12-month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until successful completion of the probationary period.