Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Research Specialist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY
The Yajing Gao Lab in the
Department of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunology
seeks two motivated and detail-oriented Research Specialists to
join our exciting team.

The scientific mission of the Gao Lab is to understand the
regulatory mechanism of lipid homeostasis in immune-tissue
metabolism in human tissue and organoids, and animal models. Our
goal is to demystify inflammation and metabolic diseases. Our lab
utilizes various biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology
approaches, and cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics,
high-resolution imaging, among other high-throughput
techniques.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior
laboratory personnel, the Research Specialists will work
collaboratively in a team to provide technical support to daily
laboratory operation as well as exploring new projects in the lab.
This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate interested
in gaining hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate,
medical, or other health professional training.

The department may choose to hire at job level P1, 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

P1 | Research Specialist I (Job Code P56431)

Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments
as directed. Closely supervised and with little latitude for
independent judgment.

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

• Performs tests and procedures (biochemistry, molecular biology,

cell culture, and/or rodent models) using laboratory equipment.
Examples of specific work: cell culture
maintenance, generating stable cells lines, primary cell cultures,
and organoids; cell biology experiments such as gene transfer,
CRISPR editing, immunostaining, cellular phenotyping; molecular
cloning; RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and analysis (PCR,
RT-PCR, western blot); immunocytochemistry and
immunohistochemistry; transformation and generating DNA plasmids;
performing PCR and gel electrophoresis.

• Documents research procedure and results; Makes statistical

calculations, basic data analysis and interpretation; Plots and
prepares reports summarizing result; Maintains database of
experimental results.

• Provides technical assistance in the lab, including assisting

other members of the lab.

• May supervise the care of research animals; perform tissue

collection from mice and animal colony maintenance (tissue biopsy,
colony maintenance, genotyping).

• Confers with PI and senior laboratory personnel regarding the

procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and
recommends modifications as needed.

• Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information

to be utilized in research.

• Assists laboratory operation: catalogs and maintains laboratory

inventory, orders laboratory supplies and materials, prepares
standard buffers/media and chemicals, manages regular maintenance
of lab equipment, assists with training of incoming personnel, and
assists with maintenance of lab safety records and standard
operation procedures.

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: Exposure to
animals and potential infectious disease, noise, hazards (proximity
to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, 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 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.

Preferences

PREFERENCES

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology,

Immunology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related
field.

• General working knowledge of basic molecular biology/cell

biology/genetic techniques and principles.

• Good communication skills and ability to work well within

teams.

• Understanding of relevant protocols, journal articles, and

equipment manuals; knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and
supplies.

• Working knowledge and ability with computers (PC and MAC

operating systems), and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe
products, etc.).

• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for lab

experiments.

• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures for handling

chemical, biohazard, and medical waste.

• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to

switch focus as needed.

• Excellent attention to detail; ability to keep accurate and

organized lab records.

• Good organization and time management skills. Always

punctual.

• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and new lab

equipment as needed.

• General knowledge of university procedures and compliance with

environmental health safety and university guidelines.

• Prior laboratory experience through coursework or undergraduate

research.

• Strong interest in immunology, physiology, and/or

metabolism.

• Willingness to work with transgenic animal (rodent)

models.

• Willingness to work occasional overtime in order to meet

deadlines related to grant applications and publications.

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

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

Requisition Number: PRN46571B

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: 27,194 - 70,151

Close Date: 01/22/2027

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211337

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