Research Scientist

University of Utah, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Salt Lake City, UTAH
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 08 Oct 2025

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Research Scientist
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Announcement
Details


Open Date 07/08/2025
Requisition Number PRN42426B
Job Title Research Scientist
Working Title Research Scientist
Job Grade F
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
Monday – Friday
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00267 - Ophthalmology-Services
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $65,00.00 - $80,000.00
Close Date 10/08/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Pitha Lab at the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, is seeking a motivated and independent PhD-level Research Scientist to lead and expand research programs focused on the development of novel glaucoma therapeutics and implants. Our lab integrates cutting-edge molecular biology, advanced biomaterials, and in vivo models to understand and manipulate cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix in the context of glaucoma surgical wound healing and scleral remodeling.
 
This position will contribute to the scientific design, execution, interpretation, and dissemination of high-impact research projects. The successful candidate will operate as a PI/co-PI on projects, mentor junior lab members, and engage in grant and manuscript preparation.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
 
1. Develops scientific research projects and acts as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator.
2. Researches and stays current with project related scientific literature.
3. Sets up new methods or assays to accomplish scientific objectives.
4. Identifies and implements creative solutions to overcome problems.
5. Organizes, interprets data and derives study conclusions.
6. Manages and trains research staff to achieve research goals.
7. Collaborates with internal and external investigators on multiple research projects ensuring scientific significance and feasibility.
8. Summarizes results of research studies in the form of scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
9. Serves as a resource to provide scientific information needed for various initiatives.
10. Contributes to teaching activities by preparing and presenting educational seminars.
11. Assists with grant preparation by researching background, significance and planning statistics.
12. Attends national conferences and presents results of clinical studies.
 
Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in molecular biology, biomedical engineering, vision science, or a related field.
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. Interest in advanced techniques such as single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics is preferred. 
  • Proficiency and willingness to work with in vivo animal models, especially models of glaucoma and glaucoma surgery.
  • Experience or interest in studying biomechanical stress (e.g., cell stretch assays) and mechanosensation is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication skills and a commitment to mentorship and collaborative research.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop independent research projects.
  • This position is research-focused and does not involve direct patient care. The Research Scientist will be expected to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and sensitivity for vision science research in aging populations.


Problem Solving
  • This position may be involved with problems requiring modifications of scientific methods. This position is required to efficiently manage technicians and students as well as to allocate resources to address the needs of ongoing research studies.

 
Preferences
PhD scientist 
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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  • * How did you hear about this position?
    • University of Utah Web Page
    • Internet: search engine, online job board, etc.
    • University of Utah employee referral
    • Career Services / Campus Job Fair
    • Community / Government Agency
    • Other / Unknown
  • * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Indicate the number of years of experience that you have in developing scientific research projects, acting as principal or co-principal investigator, managing a research staff, and/or delivering formal presentations or educational seminars:
    • Less than 2 years
    • 2 year or more, but less than 4 years
    • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
    • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
    • 8 years or more

    • Applicant Documents
    Required Documents
  • Resume
    • Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter

    • University Human Resource Management
    250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
    Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu

     


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