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Sr Laboratory Specialist
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
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Details
**Open Date** 04/29/2025
**Requisition Number** PRN41781B
**Job Title** Sr Laboratory Specialist
**Working Title** Sr Laboratory Specialist
**Job Grade** E
**FLSA Code** Administrative
**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No
**Standard Hours per Week** 40
**Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time
**Shift** Day
Work Schedule Summary
Typically M-F, 8 am – 5 am.
**VP Area** U of U Health - Academics
**Department** 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
**Location** Campus
**City** Salt Lake City, UT
**Type of Recruitment** Internal to the University
**Pay Rate Range** $56,000.00 - $62,000.00
**Close Date** 07/29/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah invites applications for an immediate Sr. Lab Specialist position in Dr. Paul S. Bernstein’s laboratory. Translational research focuses on the role of nutrition to treat and prevent retinal diseases throughout the lifespan. The Bernstein Lab, situated on the upper campus of the University of Utah, benefits from extensive access to state-of-the-art core facilities and resources, as well as a vibrant collaborative research community.
Responsibilities
1. Applies independent judgment in order to assess the validity of data collected and to interpret results.
2. Devises, refines and implements new techniques or modifies existing processes by utilizing advanced knowledge.
3. Directs the daily operation of the lab including hiring and training subordinates.
4. Prepares, operates and maintains laboratory and experimental testing equipment.
5. May coauthor research papers and publications.
6. May represent the University by presenting research and findings to peers at conventions and conferences.
Problem Solving
Incumbents in this position work independently to review, analyze and interpret the results of the data collected and
assist the principal investigator in getting the information presented to peers and published in appropriate journals.
Incumbents in this position are responsible for addressing unusual or sensitive situations and for bringing them to
resolution. If they are unable to bring them to resolution, they will consult with the principal investigator to obtain
resolution.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), plus four years of related full-time laboratory experience required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
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 of employees assigned to the job.
Preferences
A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology or a related field with at least 7 years of biotechnology or biopharmaceutical experience is required. The candidate should be a team player, possess excellent analytical and critical thinking skills and have strong oral/written communications skills.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in drug discovery with an emphasis on target identification, validation and development of mechanism-based cellular assays. Specific cellular and molecular biology skills required include DNA / RNA isolation, cDNA cloning, PCR , qRT- PCR , mammalian cell culture (both primary cells and cell lines), Western blot analysis and cell-based assay development. Previous safety officer experience in a laboratory environment handling potentially infectious samples is essential. Strong written and verbal communications skills are expected.
**Type** Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.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.
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