"Research Technicians"

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 laboratory technician. This is an ideal position for recent or upcoming college graduates looking to gain hands-on training and mentorship in cutting-edge neuroscience research before applying to PhD or MD programs.

The successful applicant will be energetic and detail-oriented with at least two years of 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.

Research Technicians

Perform various support tasks in assisting scientific research team with the execution of tests and experiments. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain lab instruments and equipment. Depending on area of research, may prepare media, samples, solutions, specimens, and/or reagents. Perform testing and monitoring. Gather and record research data. Keep detailed logs of experiments. Maintain and stock supplies.

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

• 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.
• 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.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive in listing all duties and qualifications required.

Research Technician

Perform various support tasks in assisting scientific research team with the execution of tests and experiments. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain lab instruments and equipment. Depending on area of research, may prepare media, samples, solutions, specimens, and/or reagents. Perform testing and monitoring. Gather and record research data. Keep detailed logs of experiments. Maintain and stock supplies. Entry-level support role. Performs routine tasks as directed and under close supervision. Requires little to no related experience. This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S56441 Grade: S12 Expected Pay Range: $11.12 to $21.69

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 Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.
• Research Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Preferences

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field, awarded before the end of the spring 2026 semester.
• Two or more years' experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel.
• Excellent organizational abilities and problem-solving skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Two or more years' experience in a neuroscience lab.
• Experience working with mice and performing experimental neuroscience techniques.
• Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis.
• Experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN16774N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $11.12-$21.69
Close Date: 5/17/2026
Open Until Filled: