Lab Manager/Sr Scientist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Lab Manager/Sr Scientist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology Division of
Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a versatile candidate to
join our team as either a Lab Manager or Senior Research Scientist,
depending on qualifications and career focus. The ideal candidate
will balance experimental research execution with key laboratory
operations and management.

The Gao Lab focuses on understanding the regulation and impact of
lipid homeostasis in immune cells, as well as immune control of
systemic lipid metabolism. Our group utilizes cross-disciplinary
approaches, including fundamental biochemistry, cell biology,
immunobiology techniques, and cutting-edge metabolomics,
transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, among other
high-throughput technologies, paired with human and animal
pathophysiology models.

The successful candidate will provide technical and managerial
support to daily laboratory operations, train personnel, and may
support new scientific projects in the lab. Will work
collaboratively in a team environment to advance the scientific
mission of the Gao Lab.

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

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator:

• Performs and/or directs the performance of standard and complex

lab tests and experiments and/or animal procedures for
studies.

• Prepares reagents, equipment, and rooms 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 and performs routine maintenance of complex and highly

specialized laboratory equipment.

• Drafts and maintains safety and university compliance records

and protocols.

Lab Manager role may include:

• Train and onboard laboratory personnel.
• Maintain, monitor, and order lab supplies and manage vendors

and quotes.

• Assist with preparing budget and budget tracking.
• May assist with resolving sensitive or unusual situations

arising in the lab. Problems that cannot be resolved by the
employee will be referred to the Principal Investigator.

Senior Research Scientist role may include:

• Supervise and review the work of laboratory personnel.
• May lead independent scientific projects and author

manuscripts/grant applications.

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: Infectious
disease, animals, 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,
electrical current, or 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 Scientist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or
equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of
directly related work experience.

Preferences

PREFERENCESPreference will be given to candidates
with a Master's or Doctoral Degree in biomedical or related fields,
or a Bachelor's in a scientific field with 5+ years of directly
related work experience.

In addition, the preferred candidate will
possess:

• Proficiency in research (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell

culture, and/or research animal experience), and scientific writing
capabilities (English).

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, detail

oriented, with professional integrity.

• Strong interest in immunobiology and physiology research.

Highly desirable prior experience
includes:

• Rodent models and research colony management.
• Cell biology techniques and primary cell isolation and

culture.

• Flow cytometry, immune phenotyping and modeling.
• Animal surgery and veterinary training .
• Prior experience as lab manager or staff scientist.

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

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

Requisition Number: PRN46572B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: 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).

Department: 00247 - Pathology

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 43,796 - 84,883

Close Date: 01/22/2027

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211335

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