Job Details

Lab Specialist

Position Number: 6444611
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Lab Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Lab Specialist to join the newly established Sinha Lab in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah. Our laboratory is focused on studying key aspects of protein synthesis and translational control in healthy and diseased states. We broadly investigate (1) the role of ribosomes as critical sensors of cellular stress and (2) focus on identifying and characterizing ribosome-mediated quality control and signaling pathways that regulate cellular homeostasis and cell fate decisions during translational stress.

Interested applicants should include a brief statement (1-2 paragraphs) explaining their motivation for applying and how their skills, experience, and research interests aligns with our research focus and the requirements of this role.

Responsibilities
1. Experimental Research Support

Perform routine biochemical, molecular biology experiments using established methods and procedures.
Set up and assist with research protocols and experiments under the general guidance of the principal investigator; may have primary responsibility for independently setting up, performing and troubleshooting less complex experiments.
Document experimental results in progress and maintain written records of observations; apply previous experience to identify and troubleshoot experiments.
Anticipate unexpected findings and assist in troubleshooting; reconcile results disparate from anticipated findings, rerun techniques as necessary.
Reports experimental results to the PI and assist in data analyses.
Collaborate with Principal Investigator in investigating and developing techniques and document all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
Adhere to lab safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.

% time: 50

2. Data Collection & Analysis

Collect, organize, and document data using electronic lab notebooks.
Report experimental results to the principal investigator and prepare appropriate and understandable representations of data such as graphs, charts, statistical summaries, etc.
Conduct literature searches to assist in establishing new laboratory techniques.

% time: 25

3. Laboratory Tasks

Accomplish day-to-day care and housekeeping of laboratory
Assess the need for and order all supplies and reagents needed for experiments.
Assist in maintenance of lab equipment, safety records, and preparation of routine reagents.
Monitors lab equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
Instructs other in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques, and provides technical guidance and direction as required.

% time: 25

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

Bachelor's degree with a major in one of the Biological Sciences or the equivalent.
Two years of relevant laboratory/ research experience.
Competence in several laboratory methods, procedures and techniques as well as the equipment and instruments,
Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment
Good organizational and time management skills.
Willingness to work with/be exposed to hazardous materials such as radioactive materials, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals.
Knowledge of standard computer software packages for data analysis and presentation, and on-line literature search engines.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42734B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01502 - Department of Biochemistry
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 15.19 to 28.08
Close Date: 11/4/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/186711