Research Specialists

Research Specialists

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 Details 

Open Date  | 02/06/2026
Requisition Number  | PRN44211B
Job Title  | Research Specialists
Working Title  | Research Specialists
Career Progression Track  | P00
Track Level  | 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  | 00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $35000-$55,000
Close Date  | 05/11/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

Job Summary 
The Zimmerman lab in the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a senior laboratory specialist. This is an ideal position for a scientist with previous research experience to work on cutting-edge neuroscience projects while also taking on responsibilities related to management, engineering, ordering, and compliance.The successful applicant will be energetic and detail-oriented with at least two years of full-time experience in a wet lab research setting.Applications should include a cover letter indicating why you would like the job and what you will bring to the lab, a CV, and a list of at least two potential references. Review of applications will begin on 02/23/2026 and continue until the position is filled.About the Zimmerman lab: Our research brings together tools and perspectives from a wide range of disciplines with the goal of understanding the fundamental principles that govern body–brain communication. We are especially interested in discovering how sensory signals from the internal organs are represented in the brain — and how these interoceptive representations contribute to cognitive processes like reward, motivation, learning, and memory. Our lab uses the gut–brain axis and feeding behavior as a powerful model system (with clinical relevance to obesity and eating disorders) for investigating these questions. Techniques used in the lab include Neuropixels electrophysiology, light-sheet imaging, two-photon imaging, fiber photometry, optogenetics, circuit tracing, behavioral analysis, and computational modeling. Visit our lab website for more information: https://zimmerman-lab.org. 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  | Responsibilities Collaborate with senior laboratory personnel (PhD students, postdocs, and the PI) to plan and execute neuroscience research experiments. Perform a variety of experimental techniques, including in vivo neural recordings, optogenetic manipulations, stereotaxic surgery, and behavioral testing in mice. Conduct tissue processing, fixation, and microscopy, including immunohistochemistry and RNAscope for histology. Analyze and interpret research data, develop presentations and reports to summarize the results. Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering and stocking materials and equipment, and ensuring safety and compliance of the laboratory. Assist in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, including disinfecting and equipment maintenance. Assist in the care of research animals, including minor surgery and specimen collection. Monitor and ensure compliance with laboratory and university guidelines related to safety and animal use. Supervise and provide guidance to junior laboratory personnel. Problem solving: use independent judgment and knowledge of scientific techniques, as well as collaboration with senior laboratory personnel, to address complex research challenges.

Work Environment· Office environment (nearly continuously).· Exposure to laboratory hazards (often), including chemicals and infectious materials.· Limited exposure to animals (often).
Physical Requirements· Hearing, listening, and talking (nearly continuously).· Repetitive hand motion, walking, standing, and sitting (often).· Bending and reaching overhead (seldom).
Lab Philosophy We strive to foster a lab culture that is welcoming, collaborative, and creative. Our goal is for everyone in our lab to do rigorous and reproducible research, to make important discoveries in the field of neurobiology, to receive individually tailored mentorship and career development, and to feel safe and supported within the lab.
Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive in listing all duties and qualifications required.
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.

Minimum qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field, awarded before the end of the spring 2026 semester. Two or more years’ full-time experience in a wet lab research setting. Experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces. Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel. Excellent organizational abilities and problem-solving skills. 

Preferences   
Preferred qualifications Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field, awarded before the end of the spring 2026 semester. Two or more years’ full-time experience in a neuroscience lab. Experience working with laboratory rodents and performing experimental neuroscience techniques (e.g. stereotaxic surgery, behavioral testing, and histology). Experience with design, fabrication, and optimization of experimental equipment (e.g. using CAD and Arduino) and familiarity with engineering and electronics. Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis.
Type  | Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary   
Additional Information  | 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. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. 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. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/  Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu 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.

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