What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Specialist position at University of Utah Health Research?
Details
Open Date 09/04/2025
Requisition Number PRN43034B
Job Title Lab Specialist
Working Title Lab Specialist
Career Progression Track D
Track Level
FLSA Code Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 5:00pm
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $20.00 - $22.00
Close Date 12/04/2025
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. Transnational 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
Essential Functions:
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 ).
Seldom: 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), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or other scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years full-time laboratory experience; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Working knowledge of advanced scientific techniques and procedures as well as the ability to make statistical calculations, analyze results, prepare reports and perform specialized tests also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
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.
Open Date 09/04/2025
Requisition Number PRN43034B
Job Title Lab Specialist
Working Title Lab Specialist
Career Progression Track D
Track Level
FLSA Code Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 5:00pm
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $20.00 - $22.00
Close Date 12/04/2025
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. Transnational 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
Essential Functions:
- Applies independent judgment in order to assess the validity of data collected and to interpret results.
- Devises, refines and implements new techniques or modifies existing processes by utilizing advanced knowledge.
- Directs the daily operation of the lab including hiring and training subordinates.
- Prepares, operates and maintains laboratory and experimental testing equipment.
- May coauthor research papers and publications.
- May represent the University by presenting research and findings to peers at conventions and conferences.
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 ).
Seldom: 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), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or other scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years full-time laboratory experience; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Working knowledge of advanced scientific techniques and procedures as well as the ability to make statistical calculations, analyze results, prepare reports and perform specialized tests also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cell Biology or a related field with at least two years of laboratory 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 human tissue dissection, managing a mouse colony, and working with sophisticated analytical instruments.
- Specific cellular and molecular biology skills 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 desired.
- Strong organizational skills are expected.
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.
Salary : $20 - $22