What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at University of Utah Health Research?
Details
Open Date 05/29/2026
Requisition Number PRN45219B
Job Title Research Specialists
Working Title Research Specialist
Career Progression Track P00
Track Level P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro
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
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00213 - CVRTI
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range Depends on Experience
Close Date 09/30/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Research Specialist in Cardiometabolic Arrhythmia Mechanisms
A Research Specialist position in the area of molecular biology is available within the laboratory of Dr. Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Ph.D. at The Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute ( CVRTI ), University of Utah. The Aromolaran laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac ion channel functional regulation in disease states with particular interest in metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, inflammation) and arrhythmias. https://aromolaranlab.cvrti.utah.edu/
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
Research Specialist, I
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56431
Grade: P12
Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386
Research Specialist, II
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56432
Grade: P13
Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625
Research Specialist, III
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 4 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56433
Grade: P15
Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036
Minimum Qualifications
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 Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
Research Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience.
Research Specialist, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Education : A Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline is recommended.
Training : The Aromolaran lab seeks applicants who are trained in the following areas:
The Specialist will receive supervision in new techniques from the PI and Research Associates. Once proficient in the procedures, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing them independently and may be asked to troubleshoot problems.
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 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 at https://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.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Open Date 05/29/2026
Requisition Number PRN45219B
Job Title Research Specialists
Working Title Research Specialist
Career Progression Track P00
Track Level P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro
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
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00213 - CVRTI
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range Depends on Experience
Close Date 09/30/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Research Specialist in Cardiometabolic Arrhythmia Mechanisms
A Research Specialist position in the area of molecular biology is available within the laboratory of Dr. Ademuyiwa Aromolaran, Ph.D. at The Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute ( CVRTI ), University of Utah. The Aromolaran laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac ion channel functional regulation in disease states with particular interest in metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, inflammation) and arrhythmias. https://aromolaranlab.cvrti.utah.edu/
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
Research Specialist, I
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56431
Grade: P12
Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386
Research Specialist, II
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56432
Grade: P13
Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625
Research Specialist, III
Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 4 years of directly related work experience.
This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P56433
Grade: P15
Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036
Minimum Qualifications
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 Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
Research Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 2 years of directly related work experience.
Research Specialist, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Education : A Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline is recommended.
Training : The Aromolaran lab seeks applicants who are trained in the following areas:
- Molecular Biology: protein complex immunoprecipitation, Western Blot, immunofluorescent labeling, RNA isolation, PCR optimization, Real- Time PCR , isolation and purification of DNA , agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, DNA cloning and plasmid development
- Cell Culture: maintaining cell lines and transfection approaches
- Human tissue collection: patient consent and tissue collection from cardiac surgeries
- Animal handling: Small animal (mice, rat, guinea pig) care and maintenance, blood collection, minor procedures
- Management: laboratory equipment purchasing, maintenance and repairs, processing laboratory supply orders and general management of the laboratory
The Specialist will receive supervision in new techniques from the PI and Research Associates. Once proficient in the procedures, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing them independently and may be asked to troubleshoot problems.
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 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 at https://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.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Salary : $27,194 - $62,386