Job Details

Sr Laboratory Specialist

Position Number: 6447008
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Sr Laboratory Specialist

Job Summary

The goal of the Moran Steele Center for Translational Medicine (SCTM) is to identify therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, two leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. The SCTM is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers, clinicians, clinical staff, and national/international collaborators. Our scientific efforts center around unique resources that include a collection of over 10,000 pairs of donated human eyes and a large cohort of AMD and glaucoma patients. Using these resources along with in vitro and in vivo model systems, we aim to better understand genotype-directed disease mechanisms, identify causal pathways and targets, and develop novel therapies to halt blinding eye diseases.

The SCTM is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our Discovery Biology team. This person will conduct experiments in the field of retinal disease biology using cell-based disease models and human eye tissues to gain a deeper understanding of genotype/phenotype relationships in AMD and to identify novel therapeutic targets in the disease pathways. This person will also develop and test different therapeutic strategies (gene therapy, in vivo gene editing, antibodies) for modifying the disease pathways.

Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

Conceives, designs, and executes cellular, biochemical, and molecular assays to meet project objectives
Reads scientific literature to identify novel approaches to advance project objectives
Optimizes and troubleshoots experiments
Analyzes, interprets, and effectively communicates results and strategies
Works with other lab members in a collaborative team environment
Maintains detailed laboratory records and protocols
Document results in monthly reports
Contributes to laboratory organization and maintenance

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 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

B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree with several years of wet bench research experience in cellular or molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field.
Experience in common molecular assays including DNA/RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, molecular cloning and plasmid construction, Next Gen Sequencing techniques, protein extraction, protein purification, ELISA, Western blotting, enzymatic assays.
Expertise with culturing primary, iPSC and immortalized human cells.
Ability to critically evaluate data, make statistical calculations, prepare graphical representations or written reports and present findings within group settings
Preference will be given to candidates familiar with multi-omic techniques such as RNA-sequencing, ChIP-seq, HiChIP and ATAC-seq. Experience in genome engineering technologies such as CRISPR or AAV-based gene delivery is also desirable.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42747B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Typically M-F, 8AM-5PM
Department: 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $40,000-$80,000, DOQ
Close Date: 9/12/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/186780