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Programming Research Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Programming Research Assistant information

What is a programming research assistant?

Programming Research Assistants are individuals who support academic or professional research projects by developing, testing, and maintaining computer programs and scripts. They collaborate with researchers to implement algorithms, perform data analysis, and automate research workflows. Their work is essential for handling large datasets, running simulations, and ensuring that research-related code is efficient and reproducible. Often, they are students or early-career professionals with strong programming and analytical skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a programming research assistant?

To thrive as a Programming Research Assistant, you typically need strong programming skills (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), a background in computer science or a related field, and familiarity with research methodologies. Experience with data analysis tools, version control systems like Git, and possibly specific research software is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data handling, reliable research outcomes, and efficient team collaboration in research projects.

What challenges do programming research assistants face?

Programming Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving project requirements, managing large and complex datasets, and debugging experimental code under tight deadlines. Collaboration with researchers and other team members requires strong communication skills, especially when translating technical findings into accessible results. Staying current with new programming tools and research methodologies is also essential to contribute effectively to cutting-edge projects.

What is the difference between Programming Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectProgramming Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, finance, healthcare, and other industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, tech firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies

The Programming Research Assistant and Data Analyst roles share a focus on data and programming skills, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. However, Programming Research Assistants typically work in research settings with a focus on developing algorithms and software, while Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles are essential in data-driven environments but serve different primary functions.

What cities in Utah are hiring for Programming Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Programming Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Programming Research Assistant job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Hourly Research Assistants

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

University of Utah
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


University Of Utah rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 161 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Details
Open Date 08/26/2026 Requisition Number PRN46020B Job Title Hourly Research Assistants Working Title Hourly Research Assistant Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S4 - Highly Skilled, S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate FLSA Code Nonexempt 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 00196 - Health & Kinesiology Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $20 -$25 /hr - DOE Close Date 10/26/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Neuromechanics and Applied Locomotion Laboratory at the University of Utah is hiring a full-time Research Assistant to assist with on-going funded research examining balance and mobility, particularly in people with mild traumatic brain injuries (i.e., concussions). The candidate will have the opportunity to work on several federally-funded and foundation-funded projects with Dr. Peter Fino and collaborators. The candidate will interact on a regular basis with volunteer research subjects, physical therapists, engineers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other faculty from various groups across campus, including Neurology, Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Psychology, and with research teams at other institutions across the country.
The ideal applicant should have experience working with human research participants, exceptional interpersonal skills, experience in clinical settings, a grasp of biomechanics, anatomy, and rehabilitation, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The position is a full-time (40 hrs/wk) position. The position will be renewable annually based on job performance and the availability of funding. The grant is expected to run until June 30, 2030.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Responsibilities
  1. Collects and compiles data from a variety of sources; may enter data into a PC or computer terminal.
  2. Statistically analyzes data to include calculating the mean, median, and standard deviation, plotting scatter grams and performing multiple regression analysis in addition to other statistical computations.
  3. May edit research papers, project reports, proposals and curriculum materials prior to publication or presentation.
  4. Prepares format for final disposition of data; maintains an internal library on project information resources and final data collected.
  5. May work with research personnel in the design and preparation of research projects and in recording data.

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

Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Research Assistant, IV: Requires 5+ years of related experience.

Preferences
The ideal candidate will possess the following preferred qualities:
Experience conducting human subject research and interacting with participants with impaired balance, mobility or neuromuscular control
Ability to excel in both team and individual environments
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Familiarity with biomechanical instrumentation including force plates, motion capture cameras, inertial measurement units, and electromyography
MS in a relevant discipline, such as kinesiology, biomechanics, athletic training, physical therapy, engineering, or health science related field
A BS in a relevant discipline, such as kinesiology, biomechanics, athletic training, physical therapy, psychology, engineering, or health science related field
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Please submit the following information combined into a single PDF:
1. Cover letter describing interest in the position and previous research experience
2. CV
3. Names and contact information of three references.
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.
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 operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US