Hourly Research Assistant

Details Open Date:
05/06/2026

Requisition Number:
PRN17046N

Job Title:
Hourly Research Assistant

Working Title:
Hourly Research Assistant - Work Study

Career Progression Track:
B

Track Level:

FLSA Code:
Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code?:
No

Type:
Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary?:
Yes

Standard Hours per Week:
18

Full Time or Part Time?:
Part Time

Shift:
Day

Work Schedule Summary:

Is this a work study job?:
Yes

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:
9.62 to 17.31

Close Date:
08/07/2026

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

Job Summary:
Undergraduate Federal Work Study Opportunity: Neural Mechanisms of Sickness Behavior

Faculty Mentor : Jessica Osterhout

Title : Assistant Professor

College : School of Medicine

Department : Neurobiology
Project Description : The Osterhout Lab investigates the neural circuits that drive "sickness behaviors such as fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue, which occur in response to infection. Our research aims to understand how the brain detects peripheral immune signals and translates them into coordinated behavioral and physiological responses.

This project focuses on identifying and mapping the specific populations of neurons that drive these behaviors. The undergraduate researcher will assist in investigating how these circuits are activated and how they communicate with other brain regions to drive sickness behaviors or recovery during illness.

Affiliations : Neurobiology Department / Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine

Keywords : Neuroscience, Sickness Behavior, Brain-Immune Interactions, Neural Circuits, Mouse Models

Responsibilities:
Student Role : The student will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow to perform hands-on laboratory research. Primary responsibilities will include processing and analyzing mouse brain tissue, involving techniques including:

• Tissue sectioning
• Immunohistochemistry (fluorescent staining)
• Fluorescence microscopy and imaging
• Image analysis
• Basic data/statistical analysis

As the student becomes proficient, there are opportunities to learn more advanced techniques, including other tissue staining/labeling techniques, mouse handling, tissue dissection/collection, and behavioral assays, among others.

Student Benefits:

• Direct, one-on-one mentorship from a postdoctoral researcher and additional mentorship from faculty
• Hands-on experience with essential laboratory techniques
• Potential for presentation at local research symposiums if desired

Opportunity Type : Undergraduate Research Assistant

Opportunity Location Type: In Person

Is this a paid opportunity: FWS

Minimum Requirements:

• Motivated and reliable with strong attention to detail
• Able to commit to at least 8 hours per week
• Interest in neuroscience/immunology and animal models
• Completion of introductory biology coursework is preferred but not required

How To Apply: Please email a brief statement of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience) to Dr. Danielle Hermanson at ... and CC Dr. Jessica Osterhout at ...

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferences:

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, including the Director/Title IX Coordinators office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at

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.