Job Description

Job Summary
A full-time Lab Technician position is available in the Rutter Lab
(http://rutter.biochem.utah.edu/) in the Department of Biochemistry at the
University of Utah.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is interested in working
as part of a multi-disciplinary and dynamic team to perform cutting-edge
research towards revealing the human protein-metabolite interactome for
a better understanding of human metabolism, health, and disease.
Previous hands-on, laboratory research experience is preferred, but not
required.

Duties include SDS-PAGE, Western blot, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Highpressure
or fast-pressure liquid chromatography, recombinant protein
expression and purification, and other protein biochemistry techniques.
Responsibilities will be modified as the technician gains lab experience. This
position is ideal for a candidate wishing to gain hands-on laboratory
experience before applying for graduate school, medical school, or both.
Responsibilities
-Performs laboratory research under the direction of a supervisor.
-Maintains detailed electronic laboratory notebook.
-Analyzes, presents, and discusses data.
-Attends and participates in lab meetings and interest groups.
-Maintains lab inventory and databases.
-Contributes to general laboratory maintenance and general reagent
production as needed.

The successful applicant will be trained and perform SDS-PAGE, Western blot, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, fast-pressure liquid chromatography, recombinant protein expression and purification, and other protein biochemistry techniques.

The ideal candidate will have excellent focus and attention to detail, organizational skills in recordkeeping, multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, time management, knowing when to ask for help, and an ability to interact with all levels of staff. This position is ideal for a candidate wishing to gain hands-on laboratory experience before applying for graduate school, medical school, or both.

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.
Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).
Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, or related
subject.
-Demonstrated skill in written and verbal communication.
-Demonstrated ability to work independently and ask for guidance when
needed.
-Previous hands-on research experience is preferred, but not required.
-One (1) year commitment minimum.