Lab Assistant

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Performs research laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology, drug efficacy testing, cancer biology, epigenomics using mammalian cell culture and mouse model systems under the supervision of the principal investigator.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.

Responsibilities

• Performs specialized experiments using mammalian cells and the mouse model using techniques related to cell and molecular biology, cancer biology and therapeutics. (45%)
• Assists the Principal Investigators in implementation and performance of protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques (35%)
• Makes statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results (15%)
• Operates specialized laboratory instruments and equipment. Instructs others in their use (5%)
• Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records (5%)
• May train other laboratory personnel (5%)

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.

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).

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.

Minimum Qualifications

One year full-time laboratory experience or equivalency required (one year full-time lab equivalency equals successful completion of two semesters college laboratory course work); knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment and terminology as well as knowledge of chemical and physical properties of materials or substances and appropriate specimen handling techniques required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are 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

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell biology or other equivalent scientific disciplines.
• Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture is preferred.
• Demonstrated team orientation, strong organizational skills and effective communication skills.
• Highly motivated toward discovery and application of findings to human health.
• Working knowledge of basic statistical calculations and software.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
• This position DOES NOT involve processing and testing clinical samples for diseases.
• Previous experience in laboratory research is preferred.
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry techniques are preferred.
• Our laboratory is grounded on the principle of hard work and innovative discoveries. The successful candidate will share these values.
• A highly motivated, intrinsically curious, detail-oriented, reliable and flexible individual is preferred.
• Those who intend to go to graduate or medical school after a 2-year period and require laboratory experience and publication record are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or University Human Resource Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page . Online reports may be submitted at . 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.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.