Job Details

Sr Laboratory Specialist

Position Number: 6267918
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Sr Laboratory Specialist

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

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

Independently performs literature searches to learn more about the science to help the principal investigator design pilot studies and interpret the results.
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.
Devises, refines and implements new techniques or modifies existing processes by utilizing advanced knowledge and experience.
May coauthor research papers and publications.
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

Independently trains laboratory personnel (may include PCCM fellows, laboratory aides, summer students, and volunteers).
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.
Directs the daily operation of the lab including hiring and training subordinates.
Prepares, operates, and maintains laboratory and experimental testing equipment.
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 SolvingIncumbents 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. CommentsWork 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 requiredNearly 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
PreferencesExperience 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.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42066B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm with some schedule flexibility based on project needs.
Department: 00848 - Pediatric Administration
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $39,300 to $68,349
Close Date: 8/30/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/183319