Job Information

University of Utah Lab Technician-Vierra Lab in Salt Lake City, Utah

Details

Open Date 09/28/2023

Requisition Number PRN36517B

Job Title Lab Technician

Working Title Lab Technician-Vierra Lab

Job Grade C

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

TBD

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00116 - School of Biological Sciences

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $20-24 hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Job Summary

The Vierra lab in the School of Biological Sciences seeks to hire one full-time employee as a Lab Technician. The appointee to this position will use molecular and cell biology techniques to address neuroscience research questions. Successful candidates are expected to participate in two major categories of activities listed below:

Research (90% effort): This position requires creative contributions to an active research program investigating the molecular organization and cellular functions of protein signaling complexes in mammalian brain neurons. A major goal of this research is to improve understanding of basic neurophysiology and also identify new therapeutic targets and/or strategies for the treatment of neurological disorders. The Lab Technician will help to determine research goals for defined projects in regular consultation with the Principal Investigator. The appointee will also interact with lab members to assess and address research priorities and needs across the group. This position requires careful attention to detail, including accurate and comprehensive documentation of results. This position requires significant involvement in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal manuscripts and engaging in discussions on research and interpretation of research results.

Professional competence and service (10% effort): The appointee will be expected to participate and contribute to departmental and college seminars, journal clubs and other activities as applicable. Appointee will also be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab and participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

Responsibilities

Specific tasks will require proficiency in the in vitro culture of cell lines and primary neurons; performance of various immunoassays including immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry; purification of monoclonal antibodies from various sources, affinity purification of polyclonal antibodies from antiserum, and maintenance of hybridoma cell lines and antibody stocks. In addition to tasks related to these skills, the Lab Technician will be involved in monitoring a small mouse colony for the generation of in vitro cultures of neuronal cells, and will be responsible for the genotyping of mice, and preparation and maintenance of these neuronal cultures.

A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology, or in a related field is required by the start date of this position. The candidate should possess research laboratory experience in basic laboratory skills related to modern cell biological, biochemical and/or protein techniques; be able to follow standard operating procedures as well as to recognize problems to discuss and troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary; have excellent time management, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills; be able to perform accurate mathematical calculations, practice precise laboratory techniques, manage laboratory supplies and equipment, and keep neat and accurate records of all experimental details; have knowledge of and experience with laboratory safety and EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements; and display broad knowledge and understanding of solution chemistry, pH buffers, weights and osmolarity, as well as scientific knowledge at the general level.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Nearly Continuously: Lab environment.

Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. 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.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action:

Director/ Title IX Coordinator

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA)

383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

801-581-8365

oeo@utah.edu

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

For more information: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

To inquire about this posting, email: employment@utah.edu (%20employment@utah.edu) or call 801-581-2300.

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.

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