Research Specialist

About the role

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, seeks two motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialists. The lab's scientific mission is to understand the regulatory mechanisms of lipid homeostasis in immune-tissue metabolism using human tissue, organoids, and animal models, with the goal of demystifying inflammation and metabolic diseases. The lab employs biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology, cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, and other high-throughput techniques. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel, Research Specialists will work collaboratively to provide technical support for daily laboratory operations and explore new projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate interested in gaining hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate, medical, or other health professional training. The department may hire at job level P1, P2, or P3 based on business need and the candidate's education and experience. Learn about the benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests and procedures (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and/or rodent models) using laboratory equipment, including:
  • Cell culture maintenance, generating stable cell lines, primary cell cultures, and organoids
  • Cell biology experiments such as gene transfer, CRISPR editing, immunostaining, cellular phenotyping
  • Molecular cloning
  • RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and analysis (PCR, RT-PCR, western blot)
  • Immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry
  • Transformation and generating DNA plasmids
  • Performing PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Document research procedures and results; make statistical calculations, basic data analysis and interpretation; plot and prepare reports summarizing results; maintain database of experimental results
• Provide technical assistance in the lab, including assisting other lab members
• May supervise the care of research animals; perform tissue collection from mice and animal colony maintenance (tissue biopsy, colony maintenance, genotyping)
• Confer with PI and senior laboratory personnel regarding procedures and techniques; recommend modifications as needed
• Conduct literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information for research
• Assist laboratory operations: catalog and maintain laboratory inventory, order laboratory supplies and materials, prepare standard buffers/media and chemicals, manage regular maintenance of lab equipment, assist with training of incoming personnel, and assist with maintenance of lab safety records and standard operating procedures

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalency Statement: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (e.g., bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). The department may hire at one of the following job levels:

• Research Specialist I (P1): Requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience, or a master's degree (or equivalency)
• Research Specialist II (P2): Requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience, or a master's degree (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience
• Research Specialist III (P3): Requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience, or a master's degree (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• General working knowledge of basic molecular biology, cell biology, and genetic techniques and principles
• Good communication skills and ability to work well within teams
• Understanding of relevant protocols, journal articles, and equipment manuals; knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies
• Working knowledge and ability with computers (PC and Mac operating systems) and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe products)
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for lab experiments
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures for handling chemical, biohazard, and medical waste
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and switch focus as needed
• Excellent attention to detail; ability to keep accurate and organized lab records
• Good organization and time management skills; always punctual
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and new lab equipment as needed
• General knowledge of university procedures and compliance with environmental health safety and university guidelines
• Prior laboratory experience through coursework or undergraduate research
• Strong interest in immunology, physiology, and/or metabolism
• Willingness to work with transgenic animal (rodent) models
• Willingness to work occasional overtime to meet deadlines related to grant applications and publications