Job Information
University of Utah Lab Specialist in Salt Lake City, Utah
Details
Open Date 03/18/2024
Requisition Number PRN38006B
Job Title Lab Specialist
Working Title Lab Specialist
Job Grade D
FLSA Code Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday – Friday, to be discussed with supervisor.
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00247 - Pathology
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $21.00 to $26.73
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Job Summary
The Johnson Laboratory in the Division of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah is seeking a Lab Specialist to study the innate immune response to HIV . We are looking for a highly motivated individual to positively impact our research program and our culture. To defend against infection, our immune system needs to “sense” invading pathogens, sound the alarm signals, and engage a host response to fight the threat. In the Johnson Laboratory, we study how cells detect and respond to viruses. We integrate cell biology, virology, immunology, biochemistry, and functional genomics approaches to tackle questions such as: How are viruses recognized during infection? What cell factors are required for the innate immune response? And how do our cells “tune” immune responses once they are engaged? We hope to learn how viruses like HIV evade detection and uncover new ways to harness our body’s natural defense systems to protect against disease.
Individuals hired for this position will be trained in molecular biology, virology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, and flow cytometry, and will have the opportunity to author peer-reviewed publications. They will be expected to work independently or together with other laboratory members as needed. Research experience with molecular biology and tissue culture is preferred. Applicants interested in gaining high-level research experience before pursuing graduate school or medical school are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should: 1) be organized, 2) be dependable, 3) be able to multitask, 4) be able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, and 5) demonstrate a genuine interest in science. Increases in compensation are expected and will be based on the applicant’s performance. The University of Utah provides a generous benefits package that includes retirement contributions, a wellness program, and a variety of medical and dental plans to choose from.
https://johnson.path.utah.edu/
Responsibilities
Performs and directs specialized and complex lab tests, experiments and surgical procedures for studies.
Assists the Principal Investigator in the design, implementation and performance of new protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques.
Reviews scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information concerning experimental procedures.
Makes advanced statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results.
Operates complex and highly specialized laboratory and surgical instruments and equipment. Instructs others in their use.
Maintains a log of supplies used in procedures.
May supervise, train and review the work of laboratory personnel.
May prepare equipment and rooms for studies.
May assist with preparing budgets.
Problem Solving
The Lab Specialist assists in the development of research protocols and designs. Modifies and implement procedures. Records and interprets research results. The incumbent works independently, under the general supervision of most senior laboratory personnel. Work may include training and supervising other laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. Problems that cannot be resolved by the incumbent will be referred to the most senior Lab personnel.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Office and laboratory environment.
Often: Infectious disease, oils ( there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids ), hazards ( includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals ).
Seldom: Exposure to animals.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or other scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years full-time laboratory experience; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Working knowledge of advanced scientific techniques and procedures as well as the ability to make statistical calculations, analyze results, prepare reports and perform specialized tests also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
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 (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. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
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