Research Specialist

Job Summary

A Research Specialist position in the area of molecular biology is available within the laboratory of Dr. Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Ph.D. at The Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah. The Aromolaran laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac ion channel functional regulation in disease states with particular interest in metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, inflammation) and arrhythmias.

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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

The Research Specialist will receive supervision in new techniques from the PI and Research Associates. Once proficient in the procedures, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing them independently and may be asked to troubleshoot problems.

• 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.

Research Specialist I

• 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

• 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

Research Specialist III

• Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline.
• Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.
• Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
• This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.
• Job Code: P56433
• Grade: P15
• Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036

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

Preferences

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline is recommended.
• Training: The Aromolaran lab seeks applicants who are trained in the following areas:
  • Molecular Biology: protein complex immunoprecipitation, Western Blot, immunofluorescent labeling, RNA isolation, PCR optimization, Real-Time PCR, isolation and purification of DNA, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, DNA cloning and plasmid development
  • Cell Culture: maintaining cell lines and transfection approaches
  • Human tissue collection: patient consent and tissue collection from cardiac surgeries
  • Animal handling: Small animal (mice, rat, guinea pig) care and maintenance, blood collection, minor procedures
  • Management: laboratory equipment purchasing, maintenance and repairs, processing laboratory supply orders and general management of the laboratory
• Experience: Candidates with practical lab experience is desired, preferably at least two years.

Additional Information

Requisition Number: PRN45219B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Department: 00213 - CVRTI

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: Depends on Experience

Close Date: 09/30/2026

Open Until Filled