Job Details

Sr Laboratory Specialist

Position Number: 6646695
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Sr Laboratory Specialist

Job Summary

The Cellular Translational Research Core (CTRC) at the University of Utah is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist with expertise in stem cell biology and gene editing to help advance highly specialized and cutting-edge translational research. The Senior Laboratory Specialist will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and implementing new technologies within the Stem Cell Core. Responsibilities include refining stem cell culture and gene-editing protocols, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring the quality and reproducibility of results. The position may also involve overseeing daily laboratory operations and offers potential for growth into leadership roles within the Core.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated technical expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and differentiation of stem cells into specific lineages. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to collaborative, high-impact research in a supportive and innovative environment.

About the CTRC
The CTRC provides laboratory services, support, and expertise to accelerate research across the University of Utah community. Our mission is to advance translational science by providing high-quality cellular and molecular biology resources to investigators in a collaborative and innovative setting.

Responsibilities
Essential FunctionsInnovations in Stem Cell Culture & Differentiation

Generate, maintain, and characterize induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines.
Differentiate iPSCs into lineage-specific cell types (e.g., vascular, neuronal, cardiac, etc.).
Develop, document, and optimize stem cell culture and differentiation protocols to improve yield, reproducibility, and efficiency.

Innovations in Gene Editing & Molecular Biology

Perform CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, including design, delivery, screening, and validation of edited cell lines.
Troubleshoot and refine gene-editing workflows to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Collaborate with Core users to design and implement gene-editing strategies aligned with their research objectives.

Operations & Quality Control

Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures and results.
Contribute to the development, documentation, and optimization of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning.
Coordinate daily operations, prioritize workload, and ensure compliance with SOPs, timelines, and quality standards.
Foster a collaborative, organized, and safety-conscious laboratory environment.

Process Improvement

Evaluate existing workflows and implement strategies to improve throughput, reproducibility, and efficiency.
Participate actively in Core meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform literature reviews to identify emerging techniques and technologies beneficial to CTRC customers.
Prepare, operate, and maintain laboratory and experimental testing equipment.

Collaboration & Dissemination

Contribute to research papers and publications as appropriate.
Represent the University by presenting research innovations at departmental events, scientific meetings, and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), plus four years of related full-time laboratory experience required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field required; Ph.D. preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including iPSC generation and differentiation.
Demonstrated experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing technologies.
Prior experience in a core facility or collaborative research environment preferred.
Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment. Prior experience in a core facility or collaborative research environment preferred.
Previous experience in LIMS for managing biospecimens.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43298B
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01709 - CCTS - PRECISION MEDICINE
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: Depending on experience
Close Date: 10/21/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190232