We are launching a comprehensive biobank for patients who visit our hepatology and liver surgery clinics, procedures, and operating rooms to advance the field’s understanding and improve the care for patients with liver diseases with particular emphasis on inflammation and immunology. This position is a part of the growing Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Immunology Consortia (MAGIC) initiative at the University of Utah. For this exciting endeavor, we are looking for a lab technician to help build and maintain the biorepository, as well as perform basic laboratory experiments. We envision this role to be truly translational, obtaining patient biospecimens and asking clinically and scientifically relevant questions to better our understanding of health and disease.
Maintenance of the biorepository includes receiving fresh patient biospecimens from the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics during scheduled patient appointments and processing them for long-term storage and later utilization. This role will work under the supervision of our senior research coordinators and liver physicians for support and guidance.
Our biobank uses a sophisticated biorepository system called OpenSpecimen to easily organize and maintain samples and Redcap to survey patients. The research laboratory technician will also perform technical procedures in a research laboratory under minimal supervision by applying standard scientific techniques and analytical principles. The technician will be responsible for recording samples, observations, measurements, and results in an organized fashion. The technician may be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining cleanrooms and equipment along with other laboratory colleagues. The technician may also assist with receipt and inspection of materials, ordering, and stocking of materials and equipment.
Responsibilities
- Confers with senior personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and recommends modifications as needed.
- This includes clinical research coordinator skillsets and basic laboratory techniques and safety.
- Maintain records for research coordination.
- Maintains liver portion of the MAGIC biobank.
- Performs tests and procedures using laboratory equipment.
- Monitors and assists with purchasing of laboratory supplies and materials.
- Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information to be utilized in research.
- Makes statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing results.
- Quality improvement of workflows, documentation of workflow, and organization.
Problem Solving
This position assists senior Biobank personnel in planning methods and techniques. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science, professionalism, and organization. This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel or research coordinator, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. If the incumbent cannot find a resolution, the situation is referred to the supervisor.
Work is performed in accordance with the supervision of senior research coordinator and laboratory personnel and through periodic conferences with superior.
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.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers, and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Comments
This role is a wonderful opportunity for an individual interested in being a part of translational scientific endeavors. This person should be excited about working in a laboratory environment filled with students, post docs, and physician-scientists who have an interest in improving the lives of patients with liver diseases. This position is a wonderful opportunity to get immersed in the clinical side of research as well; interacting with patients and providers during various GI and liver procedures at the University.
This enriching experience will provide the technician with in-depth exposure to scientific procedures and relevant patient diseases.
Nearly Continuously: Office and laboratory 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).
Physical Requirements
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient’s status and provide care as described in the department’s policies and procedures manual.
Preferences
Type
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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly 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 (OEO/AA). 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.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
- * Please indicate your knowledge and/or level of experience in complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials, and substances:
- None
- Minimal
- Moderate
- Extensive
Required DocumentsOptional Documents- Cover Letter
- Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169 after submission
- Appropriate discharge document (such as a DD-214 – Member Copy 4) – Veteran Only – Call 801.581.2169
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