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Research Trainee Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Research Specialists

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$14.38 - $27.87/hr

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$46

How much do research trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for research trainee in Utah is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.63 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research trainee?

Research trainees are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who work under the guidance of experienced researchers to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in conducting scientific or academic research. They assist with various aspects of research projects, such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and laboratory work. The goal is to provide practical training that prepares them for future independent research roles or advanced studies. Research traineeships are common in universities, research institutions, and some industries.

What are some common challenges research trainees face when transitioning from academic coursework to hands-on research projects?

Research Trainees often find the shift from structured academic learning to independent, hands-on research challenging. They may need to quickly learn new laboratory techniques, adapt to working with complex equipment, and manage their time between experiments, data analysis, and reporting results. Additionally, collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team and handling constructive feedback from supervisors can be demanding but are valuable for professional growth. Support from mentors and clear communication with team members can help trainees navigate these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Trainee, you need a solid foundation in research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree or ongoing enrollment in an academic program. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and literature databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and independent research settings. These competencies ensure that research is conducted accurately and efficiently, contributing to credible and impactful results.

What is the difference between Research Trainee vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch TraineeResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant degree programUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research centers, academic institutionsLaboratories, universities, research projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, healthcare organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles, training positionsClarifying responsibilities of research support roles

Research Trainee positions are often entry-level roles for students or recent graduates gaining research experience, while Research Assistants typically hold a degree and support ongoing research projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Trainee is more focused on training and learning, whereas the Research Assistant has more defined responsibilities.

What jobs can I do if I like research?

If you like research, you can pursue roles such as research assistant, research analyst, data analyst, or laboratory technician. These jobs typically require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with research methods and tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Research Trainee jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Research Trainee job openings:

Research Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Trainee job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,202 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Research Scientists (PhD)

Salt Lake City, UT

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

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Utahexternal

$99K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Details
Open Date 07/27/2026 Requisition Number PRN45749B Job Title Research Scientists (PhD) Working Title Research Scientists (PhD) Career Progression Track L00 Track Level L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career 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
Monday - Friday
VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $99,000 - $135,000 Close Date 10/27/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL, providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department's missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL, the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
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
End-to-end project management
Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.
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 Scientist, III: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 6+ years of directly related work experience.

Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. and 8+ years of directly related work experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
  • Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
  • Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
  • Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, or Stata.
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferences
Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.
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.
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.

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