Neuroscience Research Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Announcement
Details
Open Date
05/01/2026
Requisition Number
PRN44901B
Job Title
Research Specialists
Working Title
Research Specialists
Career Progression Track
P00
Track Level
P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, P1 - Entry Level Pro
FLSA Code
Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area
U of U Health - Academics
Department
00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
$30,000 - $70,000
Close Date
08/05/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the Mills Lab in a Sr. Lab Specialist role. Our team uses cutting edge tools such as UCLA miniscopes, Neuropixels probes and optogenetics to record and manipulate neural circuits in vivo. We combine these techniques with computational analysis of behavior to uncover circuit-level mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors. Visit our lab website for more information: www.themillslab.com
As a Sr. Lab Specialist, you will play an important role conducting experimental research and assisting with laboratory operations. The position offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative neuroscience projects while also taking on responsibilities related to lab management, equipment maintenance, and supply ordering.
Junior candidates may instead apply to the lab for a Lab Technician role https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/201038
Responsibilities
Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive in listing all duties and qualifications required.
Responsibilities• Collaborate with senior laboratory personnel to plan and execute neuroscience research experiments.
• Perform a variety of experimental techniques, including stereotaxic injections and probe implantation, in vivo imaging, and behavioral testing in mice.
• Conduct brain tissue processing, fixation, and microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret research data, preparing reports summarizing results.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering and stocking materials and equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, including disinfecting and equipment maintenance.
• Assist in the care of research animals and colony maintenance.
Problem SolvingIn this role, you will use your independent judgment and knowledge of scientific techniques to address research challenges. You may also collaborate with senior researchers to find solutions to complex scientific problems.
Work Environment• Office environment (often).
• Exposure to laboratory hazards (often), including chemicals and infectious materials.
• 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).
Minimum Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline with a preference for a specialization in Neuroscience.
• Two or more years of full-time experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Excellent organizational abilities and experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel.
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
Preferred qualifications
• Master's degree in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field.
• Two or more years of full-time experience in a wet lab research setting.
• Proficiency in rodent handling, survival surgery (stereotaxic injections), behavioral testing, and histology.
• Skills in data analysis, preferably experience with MATLAB or Python programming languages.
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
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.
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