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Details

**Open Date** 05/30/2025

**Requisition Number** PRN42066B

**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

Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm with some schedule flexibility based on project needs.

**VP Area** U of U Health - Academics

**Department** 00848 - Pediatric Administration

**Location** Campus

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Type of Recruitment** External Posting

**Pay Rate Range** $39,300 to $68,349

**Close Date** 08/30/2025

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Job Summary

The Division of Pediatric Critical Care has an immediate opening for a Sr. Laboratory Specialist. This position independently performs and directs the performance of highly specialized and complex research where original scientific contributions are expected as a result of acquired experience as a seasoned professional.

The Schober lab focuses on neurologic outcomes after traumatic injury ( TBI ) to the developing brain, using a rat pup model. The Schober lab has studied Docosahexaenoic Acid ( DHA ), a component of fish oil, and published novel findings on how inflammation in the developing rat brain responds to injury with or without treatment with DHA . Ongoing work highlights sex-dependent differences and functional aspects of the brain’s immune cells, such as the ability to make reactive oxygen species and phagocytose beads.

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

+ Excellent**health care coverage**at affordable rates

+ **14.2% retirement contributions**that vest immediately

+ Generous**paid leave time**

+ **11 paid Holidays**per year

+ **50% tuition reduction**for employee, spouse, and dependent children

+ **Flex spending accounts**

+ **Free transit**on most UTA services

+ Employee discounts on a variety of products and services including cell phones & plans, entertainment, health and fitness, restaurants, retail, and travel

+ Professional development opportunities

Additional benefits information is available at https://benefits.utah.edu/

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Technical

1. Independently performs all necessary tasks related to the rat lab model, including but not limited to: animal husbandry; performing all surgical and anesthetic techniques; teaching and supervising surgical and anesthesia skills to trainees; conducting rat cognitive testing; using and maintaining testing equipment and testing rooms; bench procedures including diverse molecular biology, histologic and imaging techniques.

Scientific

1. Independently performs literature searches to learn more about the science to help the principal investigator design pilot studies and interpret the results.

2. Applies independent judgment in order to assess the validity of data collected and to interpret results. Must be able to carry out this role at times when there are little or no previously published protocols to follow. Must be able to consult not only with the principal investigator but also with core personnel, other investigators on campus, and/or assist the principal investigator when reaching out to colleagues.

3. Devises, refines and implements new techniques or modifies existing processes by utilizing advanced knowledge and experience.

4. May coauthor research papers and publications.

5. May represent the Principal Investigator and University by presenting research and findings to peers at conferences. Will also assist students in preparing presentations for peers at University presentations.

Administrative/Supervisory

1. Independently trains laboratory personnel (may include PCCM fellows, laboratory aides, summer students, and volunteers).

2. Assists principal investigator in managing the budget by maintaining accurate and orderly purchase records, optimizing scheduling plans for laboratory personnel to minimize or eliminate need for overtime pay, searching for the most cost-effective options for equipment and services, coordinating purchasing with purchaser, avoiding waste, and collaborating with other laboratories.

3. Directs the daily operation of the lab including hiring and training subordinates.

4. Prepares, operates, and maintains laboratory and experimental testing equipment.

5. Sets up the calendar for months of experiments at a time; entails supply and animal ordering, coordination with other researchers and core facility resources, and real-time tracking of experimental progress for needed changes in direction or creative solutions to problems as they arise.

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.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, 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, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, 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), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

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 also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Preferences

Experience in performing tasks related to the rat lab model, including but not limited to: animal husbandry; performing all surgical and anesthetic techniques; teaching and supervising surgical and anesthesia skills to trainees; conducting rat cognitive testing; using and maintaining testing equipment and testing rooms; bench procedures including diverse molecular biology, histologic and imaging techniques. Excellent knowledge of statistics, particularly in terms of R and related computer skills is highly desirable. Basic practical skill with tools is also valued.

**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.