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Details

**Open Date** 10/20/2025

**Requisition Number** PRN43341B

**Job Title** Sr Laboratory Specialist

**Working Title** Sr Laboratory Specialist

**Career Progression Track** E

Track Level

**FLSA Code** Administrative

**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No

**Standard Hours per Week** 20

**Full Time or Part Time?** Part Time

**Shift** Day

Work Schedule Summary

**VP Area** President

**Department** 01402 - HCI Sean Tavtigian Lab

**Location** Campus

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Type of Recruitment** External Posting

**Pay Rate Range** 39300 to 72700

**Close Date** 01/16/2026

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

Job Summary

The Tavtigian lab is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Laboratory Specialist with advanced expertise in library preparation and hybrid capture for Next Generation Sequencing ( NGS ). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology and genetics, with hands-on experience in NGS workflows. The candidate should have an understanding of custom capture design and optimization.

As a critical member of the Center for Cancer Genetics team, you will be responsible for performing highly-complex laboratory procedures involved in the preparation of high-quality sequencing libraries and captures with a custom-designed panel. You will be expected to troubleshoot protocols and assist in method development. As this position also requires the management of a large collection of samples, previous experience in LIMS is preferred.

_Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide._

_In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position_

Responsibilities

+ Perform high-quality NGS library preparation, including DNA extraction, fragmentation, end repair, adapter ligation, and amplification.

+ Execute hybridization-based target capture protocols for custom panels.

+ Assist in design and evaluation of custom capture panels, working in collaboration with bioinformaticians and project leads to ensure optimal design coverage and performance.

+ Optimize and troubleshoot library prep and capture protocols to improve yield, uniformity, and on-target rates.

+ Accurately document procedures, deviations, and results in laboratory information systems ( LIMS ) and electronic lab notebooks.

+ Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant lab environment, following all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality guidelines.

+ Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning.

+ Support method development, protocol validation, and process scaling as needed.

+ Contribute to research papers and publications as appropriate.

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

+ B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.

+ Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, with at least 2 years specifically focused on NGS library preparation and hybrid capture.

+ Proficiency with a variety of NGS platforms.

+ Strong understanding of custom capture probe design principles, including target selection, GC content considerations, and repetitive element avoidance.

+ Familiarity with laboratory automation (e.g., liquid handling robots) is strongly preferred.

+ Excellent pipetting technique, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality data.

+ Strong organizational and documentation skills.

+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

**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.