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University of Utah

Research Specialists

🇺🇸 Salt Lake City, UT

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $18 - $20 per Hour

💻 Research

🗓️ December 9th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Utah is hiring a Research Specialist. The role involves setting up and conducting experiments under scientists' supervision, performing laboratory tasks, analyzing data, and assisting with the preparation of research documentation such as grants and publications to support research projects.

Highlights
  • Conduct experiments according to established research protocols under scientists' direction.
  • Perform laboratory tasks including sample preparation, data collection, testing, validation, and documentation.
  • Assist in preparing research documentation: grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, publications, and presentations.
  • Remain current with research methods, techniques, and developments in the field.
  • Job levels range from Entry (Research Specialist I) to Expert (Research Specialist V), each with escalating experience requirements and pay scales.
  • Required qualifications vary by level, ranging from a bachelor's degree plus experience to a master's degree plus extensive related work experience.
  • Expected pay ranges from approximately $27,194 to $100,474 depending on the job level.
  • Position is full-time (40 hours per week) within the Department of Biochemistry, part of U of U Health - Academics.
  • Applicants with experience working with diverse student populations and commitment to improving higher education access are valued.
  • The University promotes equal opportunity and compliance with affirmative action and Title IX regulations.

Research Specialists Full Description

Research Specialists
Announcement
 Details 
Open Date  | 12/05/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN43752B
Job Title  | Research Specialists
Working Title  | Research Specialists
Career Progression Track  | P00
Track Level  | P5 - Expert, P4 - Advanced, 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  | 01502 - Department of Biochemistry
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $18 - $20
Close Date  | 03/31/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |
Job Summary  | Research SpecialistsSet 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.

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, ISet 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: P56431Grade: P12Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386
Research Specialist, IISet 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: P56432Grade: P13Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625
Research Specialist, IIISet 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: P56433Grade: P15Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036
Research Specialist, IVSet 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. Recognized as subject matter expert and advanced individual contributor professional. Requires specialized skill set. Conducts highly complex work, unsupervised and with extensive latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.This is an Advanced-Level position in the General Professional track.Job Code: P56434Grade: P16Expected Pay Range: $39,815 to $91,340
Research Specialist, VSet 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. Recognized as subject matter expert and advanced individual contributor professional. Requires specialized skill set. Conducts highly complex work, unsupervised and with extensive latitude for independent judgment.
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.This is an Expert-Level position in the General Professional track.Job Code: P56435Grade: P17Expected Pay Range: $43,796 to $100,474

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. Research Specialist, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Research Specialist, V: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

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 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.

https://safety.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.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * What is your highest level of completed education? 
    • None
    • High School Diploma or Equivalent
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Master's Degree
    • Doctorate Degree
  2. * How many years of related work experience do you have? 
    • Less than 2 years
    • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
    • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
    • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
    • 8 years or more, but less than 10 years
    • 10 years or more, but less than 12 years
    • 12 years or more, but less than 14 years
    • 14 years or more
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu