Research Specialists

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

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 Solving

In 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: P56431Grade: P12Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386

Research Specialist, IISet 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: P56432Grade: P13Expected Pay Range: $29,913 to $68,625

Research Specialist, IIISet 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: P56433Grade: P15Expected 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.

Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN44901B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $30,000 - $70,000
Close Date: 8/5/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/201382

Research Specialists

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA