Hourly Research Assistants

Details Open Date:
03/11/2026

Requisition Number:
PRN16832N

Job Title:
Hourly Research Assistants

Working Title:
Hourly Research Assistant I, II

Career Progression Track:
S00

Track Level:
S1 - Entry Level Support, S2 - Intermediate

FLSA Code:
Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code?:
No

Type:
Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary?:
No

Standard Hours per Week:
12-18

Full Time or Part Time?:
Part Time

Shift:
Day

Work Schedule Summary:
Mon Fri; flexible hours.

Is this a work study job?:
No

VP Area:
U of U Health - Academics

Department:
00870 - Ophthalmology-Research

Location:
Campus

City:
Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment:
External Posting

Pay Rate Range:
$12.00 - $18.00

Close Date:
05/11/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time):

Job Summary:
The Roy Lab at the Moran Eye Center seeks an experienced Research Assistant with strong hands-on skills in neuroscience/retinal wet-lab work. Primary responsibilities include retinal tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry ( IHC )/immunofluorescence (IF), confocal/epifluorescence imaging, and basic image analysis. The role involves tissue processing and data collection across multiple projects, collaborating closely with students, postdocs, and senior lab members.

Strong communication skills are essential. Duties may include assisting with in vivo retinal imaging and training others on cryostat/microtome use. Lab-specific retina dissection techniques, IHC , IF, will be taught, but candidate is expected to have prior experience with tissue handling, histology, and microscopy. High productivity is expected.

Our lab is collaborative and supportive yet fast-paced, managing multiple projects. Success requires quick learning, independence, and deadline management.

To learn more: ,

Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:

1. Perform precise retinal dissections, including cryostat/microtome sectioning and whole-mount preparation for immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry ( IHC ) assays.
2. Prepare reagents/solutions and using pipetting workflows with delicate retinal and brain tissues.
3. Acquire high-quality images using confocal, epifluorescence, and brightfield microscopes.
4. Analyze imaging data in Zeiss ZenBlue, Nikon Elements, ImageJ/ FIJI , and lab-specific ML/statistical platforms to generate quantitative results.
5. Review relevant literature and protocols. document new methods in LabArchive/lab server, collaborate with team members and PI on tissue collection, tissue processing, and result sharing.

Minimum Qualifications:
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelors degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Preferences:
1. Hands-on experience with fine tissue dissection, especially retina/brain, and microscopy (epifluorescence/confocal).
2. Familiarity with biological specimen handling: fixation, sectioning (cryostat/microtome), solution prep, IHC /IF processing, and safe disposal.
3. Prior work with small animal models, including handling and tissue collection.
4. Quick learner who thrives in collaborative, fast-paced lab environment.
5. Strong organizational skills for data management, protocol documentation, and team coordination.
6. Excellent communicator who shares methods and results effectively.

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 ... 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 ... or ... or University Human Resource Management at ... 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 veterans 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 can be located on the University of Utah NonDiscrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu .