What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientists (PhD) position at University of Utah Health Research?
Details
Open Date 07/27/2026
Requisition Number PRN45749B
Job Title Research Scientists (PhD)
Working Title Research Scientists (PhD)
Career Progression Track L00
Track Level L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career
FLSA Code Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday – Friday
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $99,000 - $135,000
Close Date 10/27/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL , providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department’s missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL , the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB , Python, LabVIEW, SPSS , and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
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 Scientist, III : Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 6 years of directly related work experience.
Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 8 years of directly related work experience.
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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
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.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu
Open Date 07/27/2026
Requisition Number PRN45749B
Job Title Research Scientists (PhD)
Working Title Research Scientists (PhD)
Career Progression Track L00
Track Level L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career
FLSA Code Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday – Friday
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $99,000 - $135,000
Close Date 10/27/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL , providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department’s missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL , the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB , Python, LabVIEW, SPSS , and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
- End-to-end project management
- Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
- Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety ( EHS ) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
- Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
- Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
- Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
- Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
- Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.
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 Scientist, III : Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 6 years of directly related work experience.
Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 8 years of directly related work experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
- Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
- Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB , Python, LabVIEW, SPSS , or Stata.
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
- Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
- Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
- Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
- Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.
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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
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.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu
- https://publicsafety.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 : $99,000 - $135,000