Details **Open Date** 01/22/2026 **Requisition Number** PRN44089B **Job Title** Research Specialists **Working Title** Research Specialists I **Career Progression Track** P00 **Track Level** 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** $27,194 to $62,386 **Close Date** 04/27/2026 **Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)** **Job Summary** The Osterhout Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology is seeking a motivated Research Specialist I or II, depending upon previous experience, to support NIH‑funded research investigating the neural and immune mechanisms underlying sickness behaviors, such as pain sensitivity, and neuroimmune communication. The lab uses cutting‑edge neurobiology approaches including mouse behavioral assays, histology, chemogenetics, viral circuit tracing, single‑cell transcriptomics, and spatial transcriptomics. The Research Specialist will work closely with lab members to: + Set up and conduct experiments following established protocols in molecular neuroscience and immunology. + Perform mouse handling, husbandry, surgical procedures, and behavioral testing + Prepare and process mouse brain tissue for histology, immunostaining, in-situ hybridization, and imaging + Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data + Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to research documentation (manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials) + Remain current on relevant research methods and laboratory techniques **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** **Research Specialist I** + Set up and conduct experiments under close supervision + Perform routine mouse handling, injections (i.p., s.c.), and basic husbandry + Assist with mouse behavioral assays + Prepare tissue samples for histology, immunostaining, and imaging + Perform basic data entry, organization, and preliminary analysis + Maintain lab stocks, reagents, and equipment + Assist with preparation of research documentation + Follow established protocols with limited independent judgment Requires: + Bachelor’s degree (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related experience, **or** + Master’s degree (or equivalency) This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 Expected Pay Range: $27,194 to $62,386 **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. **Preferences** **Type** Benefited Staff **Special Instructions Summary** **Additional Information** _The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students._ _Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. 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._ _The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action:_ _Director/ Title IX Coordinator_ _Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA)_ _383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite_ _Salt Lake City, UT 84112_ _801-581-8365_ _oeo@utah.edu_ _Online reports may be submitted at_ **oeo.utah.edu** **_For more information:_** **https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/** **_To inquire about this posting, email:_** **employment@utah.edu** **_or call 801-581-2300._** _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._ _https://safety.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. 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