Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunology seeks two motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialists to join our exciting team.

The scientific mission of the Gao Lab is to understand the regulatory mechanism of lipid homeostasis in immune-tissue metabolism in human tissue and organoids, and animal models. Our goal is to demystify inflammation and metabolic diseases. Our lab utilizes various biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology approaches, and cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, among other high-throughput techniques.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel, the Research Specialists will work collaboratively in a team to provide technical support to daily laboratory operation as well as exploring new projects in the lab. 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 choose to hire at job level P1, P2, or P3 based on business need and candidate’s education and experience.

Learn about the great benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.

Responsibilities

P1 | Research Specialist I (Job Code P56431)
Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised and with little latitude for independent judgment.

P2 | Research Specialist II (Job Code P56432)
Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

P3 | Research Specialist III (Job Code P56433)
Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.

Essential Functions

1. Performs tests and procedures (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and/or rodent models) using laboratory equipment. Examples of specific work: cell culture maintenance, generating stable cells 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.
2. Documents research procedure and results; Makes statistical calculations, basic data analysis and interpretation; Plots and prepares reports summarizing result; Maintains database of experimental results.
3. Provides technical assistance in the lab, including assisting other members of the lab.
4. May supervise the care of research animals; perform tissue collection from mice and animal colony maintenance (tissue biopsy, colony maintenance, genotyping).
5. Confers with PI and senior laboratory personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and recommends modifications as needed.
6. Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information to be utilized in research.
7. Assists laboratory operation: 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 operation procedures.

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.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:
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 and Level of Frequency that may be required:
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).

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

• 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/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, etc.).
• 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 to 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 in order to meet deadlines related to grant applications and publications.

Type

Benefited Staff

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

• Cover Letter outlining experiences and interests.
  CV. - Title and contact information of up to three references.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday (hours can vary). Occasional evenings and weekends. 40 hours per week. This is an on-site position at the Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building (map).

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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

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.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.