Research Scientist II PhD (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

Research Scientist II PhD (Immunology - Bapat Lab)

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY
The Bapat Lab in the Department
of Pathology seeks a Research Scientist II to advance studies
investigating the fundamental roles of the immune system in tissue
physiology, metabolic regulation, inflammatory disease, and
cancer.

Our research integrates mouse models, cellular and molecular
immunology, genetic perturbation approaches, and high-dimensional
genomic technologies to identify mechanisms through which immune
cells respond to and regulate physiological states.

The successful candidate will independently design, execute, and
interpret mechanistic experiments investigating immune cell
function in vivo and in vitro, with particular emphasis on T cell
biology, tissue immunology, immunometabolism, and cancer
immunology.

Responsibilities include developing experimental approaches,
performing advanced cellular and molecular assays, analyzing
complex datasets, contributing to manuscripts and research
proposals, and collaborating with other laboratory members. The
position offers opportunities for substantial scientific
contributions to ongoing and emerging research programs.

NOTE: This is a full-time, fully benefited
position that can accommodate a 1.00 FTE/40 hour per week employee,
or a 0.75 FTE/30 hour per week employee.

See: https://bapatlab.org

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

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design, develop, and execute mechanistic research projects

investigating immune cell function in inflammation, metabolic
disease, tissue immune memory, and cancer.

• Conduct and oversee in vivo studies using genetically modified

mouse models, including models of tissue inflammation, obesity,
tumor growth, and immune cell function.

• Perform advanced cellular immunology experiments, including

primary immune cell isolation, T cell culture, activation,
differentiation, and functional assays.

• Develop and implement molecular and genetic approaches to

investigate immune regulatory pathways, including gene expression
analyses, conditional genetic perturbations, and CRISPR-based
strategies.

• Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry and cell

sorting experiments to characterize immune cell populations and
functional states across tissues.

• Generate and interpret molecular and genomic datasets,

including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing,
chromatin accessibility profiling, and related high-dimensional
approaches.

• Independently analyze, integrate, and critically interpret

experimental results; formulate hypotheses and design follow-up
experiments to establish underlying biological mechanisms.

• Prepare scientific figures, research reports, manuscripts,

presentations, and materials supporting grant applications and
collaborative projects.

• Contribute to the scientific training and mentorship of junior

laboratory members, provide technical guidance, and support the
development and optimization of laboratory methods.

• Participate in laboratory meetings, interdisciplinary

collaborations, and scientific discussions while maintaining
rigorous standards of reproducibility, documentation, and research
compliance.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be
required:

Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.

Often: 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 Scientist, II: Requires a PhD in a
scientific discipline and 4+ years of directly related work
experience.

Preferences

PREFERENCES

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical

sciences, or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated research experience in cellular or molecular

immunology, particularly T cell biology, tissue immunology,
regulatory T cells, or immune responses in inflammatory
disease.

• Extensive hands-on experience designing and conducting in vivo

experiments using laboratory mice, including genetically modified
strains and disease models.

• Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture,

functional characterization, and multicolor flow cytometry.

• Expertise in molecular biology and genetic approaches,

including PCR, quantitative PCR, gene expression analysis, and
genetic perturbation techniques.

• Experience with mouse models of obesity, metabolic dysfunction,

tissue inflammation, cancer, or related immunological
conditions.

• Familiarity with single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomic

profiling, or computational analysis of high-dimensional biological
datasets.

• Strong record of experimental problem-solving, independent

scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and communication of
research findings.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects,

collaborate effectively, and contribute to scientific
manuscripts.

Special Instructions

Anticipated start date: January 2027.

Applicants should provide a current CV, including relevant
publications, and a brief cover letter describing their scientific
background, technical expertise, and experience in experimental
immunology. Applicants are encouraged to highlight experience with
mouse models, immune cell biology, molecular or genetic approaches,
and genomic analysis.

Requisition Number: PRN46568B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: On site, variable schedule based on
needs of lab. 40 hours per week @ 1.00 FTE; 30 hours per week @
0.75 FTE.

Department: 00247 - Pathology

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 43,796 - 84,883

Close Date: 01/21/2027

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211308

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