Research Assistant

Hourly Research Assistants

Announcement

Open Date: 09/29/2026
Requisition Number: PRN46337B
Job Title: Hourly Research Assistants
Working Title: Research Assistant
Career Progression Track: S00
Track Level: S4 - Highly Skilled, S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate
FLSA Code: Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? Yes
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift: Day
VP Area: U of U Health - Academics
Department: 01102 - Transplant Surgery
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $12.62 to $28.96
Close Date: 12/29/2026

Job Summary

The Clinical Research Assistant – Transplant Surgery is a research-focused position that supports translational and clinical research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This role plays a central part in the collection and processing of surgical specimens, development and maintenance of a transplant biorepository, and accurate abstraction and management of research data.

Working under the direction of PhD research faculty and Senior Research Specialists, the Research Assistant executes IRB-approved research protocols and supports high-quality, compliant research operations. Responsibilities include time-sensitive intraoperative specimen handling, medical record review within Epic, REDCap database implementation, and independent obtaining of informed consent for research participation once trained.

This position operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment and requires flexibility to support transplant-related research activities aligned with operating room schedules. While the role is primarily research-focused, it is expected to support an expanding portfolio of clinical research studies as the program grows.

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

Patient-Sensitive Research Environment

• This position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves work in patient care areas, including operating rooms and other clinical settings.
• Employees must comply with all institutional, state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety standards.
• Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related to patient safety, privacy, and infection control.

Specimen Collection & Biorepository Support

• Collects research specimens following surgical procurement in patient care areas in accordance with IRB-approved protocols.
• Performs time-sensitive specimen processing, including snap freezing or immediate processing, based on study requirements and laboratory availability.
• Maintains specimen integrity through accurate labeling, documentation, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Supports the development, organization, and maintenance of a transplant-focused biorepository to support current and future research initiatives.
• Coordinates specimen handling activities with surgical teams, laboratory personnel, and research staff to ensure protocol adherence.

Research Data Collection & Management

• Reviews operative and clinic documentation within Epic to abstract research-relevant clinical data.
• Accurately enters and maintains research data within REDCap databases and other required databases according to research protocols.
• Works with investigators to translate study criteria into structured REDCap data elements, in coordination with departmental REDCap specialists.
• Ensures data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across research studies.
• Identifies ambiguous, incomplete, or conflicting source documentation and escalates issues to appropriate research leadership.

Human Subjects Research & Regulatory Support

• Independently obtains informed consent from research participants once trained, using IRB-approved consent forms and procedures.
• Conducts research interactions with patients and participants in clinical settings in a professional, respectful, and compliant manner.
• Manages consent documentation, ensuring correct version control and regulatory compliance.
• Assists with preparation of materials for IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews under the direction of senior research staff.
• Maintains strict adherence to HIPAA, institutional policies, and all applicable research regulations.

Collaboration & Research Operations

• Works under the day-to-day direction of PhD research faculty and Senior Research Specialists.
• Communicates proactively regarding task progress, scheduling constraints, and research-related issues.
• Supports coordination between surgical teams, research personnel, and laboratory staff to ensure timely execution of research activities.
• Contributes to a collaborative, detail-oriented research environment focused on data quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Operates in a hybrid, mobile work environment with required on-site presence in patient care areas for specimen collection and laboratory activities.
• Utilizes shared collaboration spaces and laptop-based workflows for data abstraction and documentation.
• Requires schedule flexibility to support transplant-related research activities aligned with operating room schedules.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

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 Assistant, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.
• Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.
• Research Assistant, IV: Requires 5+ years of related experience.

Preferences

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah RQI system (to be obtained within 30 days of hire).
• Completion of a medical assisting program.
• One year of experience in research and analytic techniques with demonstrated statistical and quantitative analysis experience.

Type

Benefited Staff

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.