<p>Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job</p> <p>Announcement</p> <p>Details</p> <p>Open Date 02/12/2026 Requisition Number PRN16774N Job Title Research Technicians Working Title Research Technicians Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Type Non Benefited Staff / Student Temporary? No Standard Hours per Week 19 Full Time or Part Time? Part Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary Is this a work study job? No 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 $11.12-$21.69 Close Date 05/17/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary</p> <p>The Zimmerman lab in the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a laboratory technician. This is an ideal position for recent or upcoming college graduates looking to gain hands-on training and mentorship in cutting-edge neuroscience research before applying to PhD or MD programs.</p> <p>The successful applicant will be energetic and detail-oriented with at least two years of experience in a wet lab research setting.</p> <p>Applications should include a cover letter indicating why you would like the job and what you will bring to the lab, a CV, and a list of at least two potential references. Review of applications will begin on 02/23/2026 and continue until the position is filled.</p> <p>About the Zimmerman lab: Our research brings together tools and perspectives from a wide range of disciplines with the goal of understanding the fundamental principles that govern body-brain communication. We are especially interested in discovering how sensory signals from the internal organs are represented in the brain - and how these interoceptive representations contribute to cognitive processes like reward, motivation, learning, and memory. Our lab uses the gut-brain axis and feeding behavior as a powerful model system (with clinical relevance to obesity and eating disorders) for investigating these questions. Techniques used in the lab include Neuropixels electrophysiology, light-sheet imaging, two-photon imaging, fiber photometry, optogenetics, circuit tracing, behavioral analysis, and computational modeling. Visit our lab website for more information: https://zimmerman-lab.org.</p> <p>Research Technicians</p> <p>Perform various support tasks in assisting scientific research team with the execution of tests and experiments. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain lab instruments and equipment. Depending on area of research, may prepare media, samples, solutions, specimens, and/or reagents. Perform testing and monitoring. Gather and record research data. Keep detailed logs of experiments. Maintain and stock supplies.</p> <p>Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu</p> <p>The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with senior laboratory personnel (PhD students, postdocs, and the PI) to plan and execute neuroscience research experiments. </li><li>Perform a variety of experimental techniques, including in vivo neural recordings, optogenetic manipulations, stereotaxic surgery, and behavioral testing in mice. </li><li>Conduct tissue processing, fixation, and microscopy, including immunohistochemistry and RNAscope for histology. </li><li>Analyze and interpret research data, develop presentations and reports to summarize the results. </li><li>Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering and stocking materials and equipment, and ensuring safety and compliance of the laboratory. </li><li>Assist in maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, including disinfecting and equipment maintenance. </li><li>Assist in the care of research animals, including minor surgery and specimen collection. </li><li>Problem solving: use independent judgment and knowledge of scientific techniques, as well as collaboration with senior laboratory personnel, to address complex research challenges. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <ul> <li>Office environment (nearly continuously). </li><li>Exposure to laboratory hazards (often), including chemicals and infectious materials. </li><li>Limited exposure to animals (often). </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <ul> <li>Hearing, listening, and talking (nearly continuously). </li><li>Repetitive hand motion, walking, standing, and sitting (often). </li><li>Bending and reaching overhead (seldom). </li></ul> <p>Lab Philosophy</p> <p>We strive to foster a lab culture that is welcoming, collaborative, and creative. Our goal is for everyone in our lab to do rigorous and reproducible research, to make important discoveries in the field of neurobiology, to receive individually tailored mentorship and career development, and to feel safe and supported within the lab.</p> <p>Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive in listing all duties and qualifications required.</p> <p>Research Technician</p> <p>Perform various support tasks in assisting scientific research team with the execution of tests and experiments. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain lab instruments and equipment. Depending on area of research, may prepare media, samples, solutions, specimens, and/or reagents. Perform testing and monitoring. Gather and record research data. Keep detailed logs of experiments. Maintain and stock supplies. Entry-level support role. Performs routine tasks as directed and under close supervision.</p> <p>Requires little to no related experience.</p> <p>This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track.</p> <p>Job Code: S56441</p> <p>Grade: S12</p> <p>Expected Pay Range: $11.12 to $21.69</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications</p> <p>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).</p> <p>Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:</p> <p>Research Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.</p> <p>Research Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.</p> <p>Preferences</p> <p>Minimum qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree or higher in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field, awarded before the end of the spring 2026 semester. </li><li>Two or more years' experience in a wet lab research setting. </li><li>Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior laboratory personnel. </li><li>Excellent organizational abilities and problem-solving skills. </li></ul> <p>Preferred qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Two or more years' experience in a neuroscience lab. </li><li>Experience working with mice and performing experimental neuroscience techniques. </li><li>Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis. </li><li>Experience in laboratory management, including ordering supplies and maintaining research spaces. </li></ul> <p>Special Instructions Summary Additional Information</p> <p>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.</p> <p>This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 can be located on the University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.</p> <p>Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.</p> <p>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. It also provides 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.</p> <p>Posting Specific Questions</p> <p>Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).</p> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>What is your highest level of completed education? </li></ul> </li><li> <p>None</p> </li><li> <p>High School Diploma or Equivalent</p> </li><li> <p>Associate Degree</p> </li><li> <p>Bachelor's Degree</p> </li><li> <p>Master's Degree</p> </li><li> <p>Doctorate Degree</p> </li><li> <ul> <li>How many years of related work experience do you have? </li></ul> </li><li> <p>Less than 2 years</p> </li><li> <p>2 years or more, but less than 4 years</p> </li><li> <p>4 years or more, but less than 6 years</p> </li><li> <p>6 years or more, but less than 8 years</p> </li><li> <p>8 years or more, but less than 10 years</p> </li><li> <p>10 years or more, but less than 12 years</p> </li><li> <p>12 years or more, but less than 14 years</p> </li><li> <p>14 years or more</p> </li></ul> <p>Applicant Documents</p> <p>Required Documents</p> <ul> <li>Resume </li><li>Cover Letter </li><li>List of References </li></ul> <p>Optional Documents</p>