Job Details

Hourly Research Assistant I, II

Position Number: 6997552
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Hourly Research Assistant I, II

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: https://www.royvisionlab.com , https://medicine.utah.edu/ophthalmology/research/labs/roy

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: bachelor's 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

Requisition Number: PRN16832N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: Mon - Fri; flexible hours.
Department: 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $12.00 - $18.00
Close Date: 5/11/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/197621