Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

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.

Responsibilities

The position is categorized into three levels of increasing independence and complexity:

• Research Specialist I (P1): Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed, closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.
• Research Specialist II (P2): Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.
• Research Specialist III (P3): Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision with wide latitude for independent judgment.

Essential functions across all levels include:

• Performs tests and procedures (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and/or rodent models) using laboratory equipment. Specific work examples: 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.
• Documents research procedures and results; makes statistical calculations, basic data analysis and interpretation; plots and prepares reports summarizing results; maintains database of experimental results.
• Provides 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).
• Confers with PI and senior laboratory personnel regarding procedures and techniques, recommending modifications as needed.
• Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information for research.
• Assists laboratory operations: catalogs and maintains laboratory inventory, orders laboratory supplies and materials, prepares standard buffers/media and chemicals, manages regular maintenance of lab equipment, assists with training of incoming personnel, and assists with maintenance of lab safety records and standard operating procedures.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work environment (frequency):

• Nearly continuously: Laboratory environment.
• Often: Exposure to animals and potential infectious disease, noise, hazards (proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to chemicals).

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 (e.g., bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). The department may hire at one of the following 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

• 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 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.

Pay and Schedule

• Pay rate range: $27,194 – $70,151 per year.
• Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Monday–Friday (hours can vary), with occasional evenings and weekends.
• Start date: January 2027.
• Location: On-site at the Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building, University of Utah campus.
• Department: Pathology (00247).

Application Details

Please attach to your application: a cover letter outlining experiences and interests, a CV, and the title and contact information of up to three references. Requisition number: PRN46571B. Close date: 01/22/2027 (open until filled).