Details **Open Date** 02/02/2026 **Requisition Number** PRN44174B **Job Title** PS Research Scientist **Working Title** Senior Research Specialist **Career Progression Track** F **Track Level** **FLSA Code** Professional **Patient Sensitive Job Code?** Yes **Standard Hours per Week** 40 **Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time **Shift** Day **Work Schedule Summary** Weekdays / Hybrid work environment **VP Area** U of U Health - Academics **Department** 01102 - Transplant Surgery **Location** Campus **City** Salt Lake City, UT **Type of Recruitment** External Posting **Pay Rate Range** 47600 to 90400 **Close Date** 05/05/2026 **Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)** **Job Summary** The Senior Research Specialist – Transplant Surgery is an advanced research-focused position that supports translational and clinical research activities within the Division of Transplant Surgery. This role provides specialized expertise in research data synthesis, regulatory preparation, scholarly output, and advanced laboratory-based research activities to support a diverse portfolio of transplant research initiatives. Working collaboratively with PhD research faculty, Research Assistants, and surgeon investigators, the Senior Research Specialist contributes to the development, execution, and dissemination of IRB -approved research studies. Responsibilities include reviewing and synthesizing research data, preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for publication, assisting with regulatory documentation, and performing higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing that require advanced training and judgment. The Specialist operates with a high degree of independence and submits analytical, scholarly, and technical work products to PhD faculty for review, refinement, and scientific alignment. This position functions in a collaborative, non-supervisory capacity and works in parallel with Research Assistants, contributing complementary expertise at different phases of research projects. While not responsible for setting overall scientific strategy, the Senior Research Specialist plays a critical role in advancing research outputs, maintaining methodological rigor, and supporting complex laboratory and data workflows within the Division of Transplant Surgery. **Responsibilities** _Patient-Sensitive Research Environment_ This position is designated as patient-sensitive and involves work in patient care areas and research laboratories within the University Medical Center. Employees must comply with all institutional, state, and federal requirements applicable to patient-sensitive roles, including immunization, infection prevention, and safety standards. Adheres to hospital and departmental policies related to patient safety, privacy, infection control, and research conduct. _Advanced Laboratory & Specimen Processing_ Performs advanced and higher-complexity laboratory procedures and specimen processing in accordance with IRB -approved research protocols. Supports or assumes responsibility for specialized specimen handling and processing steps that require advanced training, judgment, or technical expertise. Works collaboratively with Research Assistants and PhD research faculty to ensure specimen integrity, protocol adherence, and appropriate chain-of-custody for research materials. Assists in troubleshooting laboratory workflows and refining processing approaches to support evolving research needs. Ensures accurate documentation of laboratory activities and specimen processing for research and regulatory purposes. _Research Data Review, Synthesis & Analysis_ Reviews, evaluates, and synthesizes research data generated across multiple studies to support scientific interpretation and downstream analysis. Works with PhD research faculty to prepare datasets for analysis, ensuring data completeness, consistency, and methodological rigor. Identifies data trends, inconsistencies, or quality concerns and collaborates with research team members to resolve issues. Provides analytical input to support research conclusions and dissemination activities. _Scholarly Output & Dissemination_ Prepares scientific abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for submission to conferences and peer-reviewed journals. May serve as first author or contributing author on scholarly outputs, based on level of contribution and study complexity. Submits manuscripts, abstracts, and analytical work products to PhD research faculty for review, refinement, and scientific alignment. Provides constructive review and feedback on PhD- and investigator-led scholarly products when requested. _Regulatory & Study Continuity Support_ Assists with preparation, revision, and maintenance of regulatory documents, including IRB submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews, in collaboration with PhD research faculty. Supports regulatory compliance by ensuring research activities align with approved protocols and institutional requirements. Maintains continuity across research projects by supporting documentation, data organization, and study transition activities. _Collaborative Research Operations_ Works collaboratively and in parallel with Research Assistants, contributing complementary expertise at different phases of research projects. Coordinates informally with research team members to align workflows, timelines, and handoffs. Communicates proactively regarding project status, technical challenges, and research needs. Contributes to a collegial, high-functioning research environment that values collaboration, rigor, and shared accountability. W _ork Environment & Schedule_ Operates in a hybrid work environment with required on-site presence for laboratory-based research activities and collaboration. Utilizes shared workspaces and mobile computing tools to support research, analysis, and documentation tasks. May require schedule flexibility to support time-sensitive laboratory or research activities. This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. **Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required** Nearly Continuously: Office environment. **Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required** Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead. **Minimum Qualifications** Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers, and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. **Preferences** Strong scientific writing skills, including experience drafting abstracts, posters, manuscripts, or other scholarly research materials. Experience synthesizing, reviewing, and interpreting research data to support analysis and publication-ready outputs. Familiarity with translational or clinical research environments within an academic medical center. Experience assisting with regulatory documentation such as IRB submissions, amendments, or continuing reviews. Ability to work independently on complex research tasks while collaborating effectively with investigators and research team members. Experience working in laboratory or specimen-processing environments requiring advanced protocols, technical judgment, or precision. **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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients. All qualified individuals are strongly 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 ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/ Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu 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. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.