Lab Manager/Scientist (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

Research Specialists

Special Instructions

This position will begin as early as January 2027.

Announcement

Job Summary

The Bapat Lab in the Department of Pathology has an exciting opening for a Lab Manager/Scientist to help anchor a lab pursuing research that seeks to understand how shifts in systemic and cellular metabolism affect immune responses, specifically focusing on T cells.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in a broad range of techniques commonly used in immunology research, including fluency with flow cytometry, mouse husbandry/colony management, cell culture, basic molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g. transfections, cloning viral expression vectors, western blots), and a willingness to learn and become adept in new techniques in the areas of DNA cloning/sequencing, viral transduction, and advanced microscopy. In this role, you will be able to pursue a scientific line of inquiry via direct experimentation and intellectual contribution.

This individual should have proven experience in setting up experiments with proper controls, acquiring and analyzing data, and synthesizing the data into actionable next steps.

See: https://bapatlab.org

The department may choose to hire at job level 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

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. Designs, plans, and conducts independent and collaborative research experiments investigating the regulation of immune responses by systemic and cellular metabolism, with an emphasis on T cell biology and function.
2. Performs a broad range of experimental techniques in immunology and molecular biology, including multiparameter flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture, immune cell isolation and functional assays, molecular cloning, protein analysis, and other relevant laboratory procedures.
3. Conducts experiments using mouse models, including animal handling, breeding and colony management, experimental interventions, tissue collection, and preparation of biological specimens for downstream analysis.
4. Develops, optimizes, and implements experimental protocols and new laboratory techniques, including advanced molecular, cellular, and genomic approaches, to support ongoing and emerging research projects.
5. Collects, organizes, and analyzes experimental data; performs appropriate statistical analyses; maintains accurate experimental records; and prepares figures, reports, and presentations to communicate research findings.
6. Contributes intellectually to the laboratory’s research program through experimental design, critical interpretation of results, literature review, troubleshooting, and identification of subsequent research directions.
7. Oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, including procurement of research supplies and reagents, inventory management, equipment maintenance, coordination with vendors and institutional core facilities, and organization of shared laboratory resources.
8. Coordinates laboratory regulatory and administrative activities, including maintenance of animal research protocols, biosafety approvals, laboratory safety procedures, and compliance with institutional research policies and requirements.
9. Supports the training and supervision of junior laboratory members, including research technicians and students, by providing technical guidance, developing standard operating procedures, and promoting rigorous, reproducible, and collaborative scientific practices.

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.
• 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 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, 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

The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances; be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment; have the ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports; possess effective communication skills.

Type

Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

This position will begin as early as January 2027.

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.

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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.