The Cellular Translational Research Core (CTRC) seeks a motivated undergraduate for a part-time Lab Technician role in our biorepository. You’ll assist with organizing samples and cryostorage containers so that there is accurate data entry in our Lab Management Information System (LIMS). A key task will be helping transition our sample collection to OpenSpecimen, a new LIMS we are implementing. This role offers valuable lab experience and flexibility for your academic schedule—ideal if you enjoy process improvement and want to contribute to a research environment. The CTRC is a service-oriented laboratory. Our primary mission is to provide investigators with laboratory services, support, and expertise to accelerate their research. If qualified and interested, please apply and join our stimulating and rewarding core team.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to lift boxes or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
- Able to lift and handle somewhat heavy freezer towers (approximately 25 lbs).
- Must have skilled hands, with technical precision and meticulous attention to experimental details.
- Capable of properly handling precious and irreplaceable biospecimens without compromising their integrity.
- Skilled and precise when handling frozen samples.
- Familiarity with the safe handling of liquid nitrogen and other cryopreservation hazards.
- Competent computer skills, including basic knowledge of sample tracking software.
- High-level quality control is essential, maintaining 100% accuracy in labeling, sample identification, and tracking.
- Ability to perform tests and procedures using sophisticated laboratory equipment.
- Identify, follow, and modify key protocols as needed to meet the lab’s specific requirements.
- Ability to listen and communicate clearly with customers in a friendly, knowledgeable, and timely manner.
- Professionalism and excellent customer service are expected, given the facility’s close interaction with numerous investigators.
Problem-SolvingThis position assists senior laboratory personnel in planning methods and techniques. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, 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 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
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.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
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.
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.
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.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please indicate your knowledge and/or level of experience in complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances:
- None
- Minimal
- Moderate
- Extensive
Required Documents:- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Appropriate discharge document (such as a DD-214 – Member Copy 4) – Veteran Only – Call 801.581.2169
- Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169 after submission
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
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