Research Specialists

Job Summary

The newly established Margolis Laboratory in the Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah studies how the gut microbiome protects against colonization by multidrug-resistant organisms, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and ESBL-producing Klebsiella, with a focus on how patients recover from antibiotic courses. The Research Specialist will carry out mouse colonization experiments, culture and isolate anaerobic commensal bacteria, develop transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq) libraries, analyze bacterial genome and microbiome sequencing data, and investigate the molecular mechanisms of colonization resistance, while helping order supplies and train other lab personnel. We welcome applicants with experience in any of the following: anaerobic culture, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, bacterial genetic manipulation, or animal infection models. Training will be provided for the rest, so enthusiasm for bench microbiology matters more than a perfect match. Our lab values self-directed work with weekly check-ins, open communication when problems come up, and a collaborative, supportive culture where people are encouraged to grow.

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

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Research Specialist, I

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.

Research Specialist, II

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.

Research Specialist, III

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.

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.

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.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

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.

Posting Specific Questions

1. What is your highest level of completed education?
   • None
   • High School Diploma or Equivalent
   • Associate Degree
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree
   • Doctorate Degree
2. How many years of related work experience do you have?
   • Less than 2 years
   • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
   • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
   • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
   • 8 years or more, but less than 10 years
   • 10 years or more, but less than 12 years
   • 12 years or more, but less than 14 years
   • 14 years or more

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter