"Research Specialists"

Research Specialists

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

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

• 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.

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.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44211B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $35000-$55,000
Close Date: 5/11/2026