Research Specialists

Research Specialist Position in Electrophysiology and Confocal Microscopy

A Research Specialist position in the area of electrophysiology and/or confocal microscopy is available within the laboratory of Dr. Aromolaran, Ph.D. at The Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah. The Aromolaran laboratory is focused on understanding metabolic disorders and how they affect ion channel location and function. https://cvrti.utah.edu/the-aromolaran-lab/

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

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

Research Specialist, I

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree. This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386

Research Specialist, II

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56432 Grade: P13 Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625

Research Specialist, III

Set up and conduct experiments according to established research protocols while working under the direction of scientists. Perform a variety of tasks contributing to tests and studies to support the objectives of research projects. Prepare samples for analysis and perform laboratory tasks and procedures. Collect and analyze data, and test, validate, and document results. Summarize research findings to help inform decisions. Assist in the preparation of research documentation, such as grants, regulatory submissions, manuscripts, reports, summaries, publications, and presentations. Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56433 Grade: P15 Expected Pay Range: $36,196 to $83,036

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.

Preferences

Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering or related.

Training: The Aromolaran lab seeks applicants who are trained in the following areas:

• Electrophysiology: whole cell patch clamp technique on cell lines as well as freshly isolated cardiomyocytes
• Confocal microscopy: experience with immunofluorescence on cardiomyocytes and heart tissue slices
• Myocyte Isolation: Langendorff perfused isolation of cardiomyocytes
• Animal handling: Small animal care and maintenance in addition to minor procedures
• Cell Culture: maintaining cell lines and transfection approaches
• Management: to assist in the general management of the laboratory

Experience: Candidates with, at minimum two years, practical lab experience is required. The Research Specialist is expected to work independently and troubleshoot problems.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45224B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Department: 00213 - CVRTI

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: Depends on Experience

Close Date: 9/30/2026