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The Preclinical Cancer Models Shared Resource (PCM) provides high-quality services to support basic, translational, and preclinical cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah. PCM supports investigators through expertise in patient-derived xenografts, cell-line xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived organoids, in vivo therapeutic studies, biospecimen processing, tumor monitoring, imaging, tissue collection, tissue banking, and study execution.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Technician to support PCM's preclinical research operations. The successful candidate will participate in animal-based studies, cell line culture, patient-derived organoid workflows, tissue collection and processing, laboratory maintenance, sample tracking, and data collection. This position prefers strong organizational skills, careful attention to sterile technique and protocol compliance, and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team.

The ideal candidate will be technically capable, dependable, team-oriented, and motivated to contribute to a collaborative shared resource environment that supports high-quality preclinical cancer research.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include a description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Work Environment and Team Culture

PCM operates as a collaborative shared resource that supports investigators across Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah. The successful candidate will join a team-oriented environment where reliability, communication, attention to detail, accountability, and respect for colleagues, investigators, animals, and research materials are essential.

This position prefers a candidate who can work well with others, respond constructively to feedback, follow established procedures, and contribute to a professional and supportive laboratory culture. Because PCM supports multiple projects and investigators, the technician must be organized, adaptable, and able to balance routine responsibilities with changing study needs.

We value team members who are dependable, curious, willing to learn, committed to high-quality work, and comfortable asking questions when clarification is needed. The ideal candidate will take pride in careful execution, accurate documentation, humane animal care, and the overall success of the shared resource.

Job Responsibilities

The Lab Technician will assist with a variety of preclinical cancer research activities, including:

Animal study support

Cell line and patient-derived organoid support

Tissue processing, banking, and laboratory support

Data and documentation

Approximate Effort Distribution

The expected distribution of effort may be adjusted based on project needs and the skills of the selected candidate.

Animal procedures, monitoring, and study support | 45 to 50%
Cell line and patient-derived organoid culture | 15 to 20%
Tissue processing, banking, and biospecimen handling | 10 to 15%
Molecular biology / assay support | 5 to 10%
Lab maintenance, inventory, and compliance documentation | 10%
Data entry, analysis support, and reporting | 5%
Compensation, Benefits, and Professional Development

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in preclinical cancer research, animal models, biospecimen processing, cell culture-based workflows, and shared resource operations within a collaborative academic research environment.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency That May Be Required

This position may involve the following work environments and exposures:

Frequency | Work Environment / Exposure
Often | Office, laboratory, tissue culture, and animal facility environments.
Nearly continuously | Exposure to research animals.
Occasionally | Exposure to infectious agents, human tissues, animal tissues, biospecimens, chemical disinfectants, anesthetic agents, sharps, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen, as applicable.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency That May Be Required

This position may require the following physical activities:

Frequency | Physical Requirement
Nearly continuously | Hearing, listening, talking, repetitive hand motion, fine manual manipulation, walking, standing, and sitting.
Often | Handling animals, pipetting, labeling samples, using small instruments, visual observation, bending, reaching overhead, and lifting less than 5 kg.
Occasionally | Kneeling, crouching, stooping, pushing, pulling, carrying supplies or equipment, working in biosafety cabinets or animal procedure areas, and working with cold storage systems.

Closing Statement

The ideal candidate will be a motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented laboratory technician with an interest in preclinical cancer research, mouse models, xenografting, biospecimen processing, cell culture-based workflows, and collaborative shared resource operations.

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:

Laboratory Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Laboratory Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Laboratory Technician, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Some weekend or holiday work may be needed to support animal care, active studies, or time-sensitive cell culture and organoid workflows.

This position involves proper respect for and humane care and handling of research animals in accordance with institutional requirements, approved protocols, IACUC standards, biosafety requirements, and PCM procedures.

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. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
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.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it ...