Job Details

Lab Manager/Sr Scientist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Position Number: 9915451
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Medicine - Medical Researcher

Lab Manager/Sr Scientist - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY
The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a versatile candidate to join our team as either a Lab Manager or Senior Research Scientist, depending on qualifications and career focus. The ideal candidate will balance experimental research execution with key laboratory operations and management.

The Gao Lab focuses on understanding the regulation and impact of lipid homeostasis in immune cells, as well as immune control of systemic lipid metabolism. Our group utilizes cross-disciplinary approaches, including fundamental biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology techniques, and cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, among other high-throughput technologies, paired with human and animal pathophysiology models.

The successful candidate will provide technical and managerial support to daily laboratory operations, train personnel, and may support new scientific projects in the lab. Will work collaboratively in a team environment to advance the scientific mission of the Gao Lab.

Learn about the great benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.

Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator:

Performs and/or directs the performance of standard and complex lab tests and experiments and/or animal procedures for studies.
Prepares reagents, equipment, and rooms for studies.
Assists the Principal Investigator in the design, implementation and performance of new protocols and procedures as well as the modification of existing techniques.
Reviews scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information concerning experimental procedures.
Makes advanced statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing research results.
Operates and performs routine maintenance of complex and highly specialized laboratory equipment.
Drafts and maintains safety and university compliance records and protocols.

Lab Manager role may include:

Train and onboard laboratory personnel.
Maintain, monitor, and order lab supplies and manage vendors and quotes.
Assist with preparing budget and budget tracking.
May assist with resolving sensitive or unusual situations arising in the lab. Problems that cannot be resolved by the employee will be referred to the Principal Investigator.

Senior Research Scientist role may include:

Supervise and review the work of laboratory personnel.
May lead independent scientific projects and author manuscripts/grant applications.

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: Laboratory environment.Often: Infectious disease, animals, 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, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing and pipetting), walking, standing, sitting.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

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 Scientist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
PREFERENCESPreference will be given to candidates with a Master's or Doctoral Degree in biomedical or related fields, or a Bachelor's in a scientific field with 5+ years of directly related work experience.

In addition, the preferred candidate will possess:

Proficiency in research (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and/or research animal experience), and scientific writing capabilities (English).
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, detail oriented, with professional integrity.
Strong interest in immunobiology and physiology research.

Highly desirable prior experience includes:

Rodent models and research colony management.
Cell biology techniques and primary cell isolation and culture.
Flow cytometry, immune phenotyping and modeling.
Animal surgery and veterinary training .
Prior experience as lab manager or staff scientist.

Special Instructions
This position will begin January 2027.
Please attach to application:

Cover Letter outlining experiences and interests.
CV.
Title and contact information of two to three references.

Requisition Number: PRN46572B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday -- Friday (hours can vary). Occasional evenings and weekends. 40 hours per week. This is an on-site position at the Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building (map).
Department: 00247 - Pathology
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 43,796 - 84,883
Close Date: 01/22/2027
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211335