Job Details

Lab Technician

Position Number: 9757427
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Lab Technician

Job Summary

The Preclinical Cancer Models Shared Resource (PCM) provides high-quality services to support basic, translational, and preclinical cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah. PCM supports investigators through expertise in patient-derived xenografts, cell-line xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived organoids, in vivo therapeutic studies, biospecimen processing, tumor monitoring, imaging, tissue collection, tissue banking, and study execution.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Technician to support PCM's preclinical research operations. The successful candidate will participate in animal-based studies, cell line culture, patient-derived organoid workflows, tissue collection and processing, laboratory maintenance, sample tracking, and data collection. This position prefers strong organizational skills, careful attention to sterile technique and protocol compliance, and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team.

The ideal candidate will be technically capable, dependable, team-oriented, and motivated to contribute to a collaborative shared resource environment that supports high-quality preclinical cancer research.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include a description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities
Work Environment and Team Culture PCM operates as a collaborative shared resource that supports investigators across Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah. The successful candidate will join a team-oriented environment where reliability, communication, attention to detail, accountability, and respect for colleagues, investigators, animals, and research materials are essential.

This position prefers a candidate who can work well with others, respond constructively to feedback, follow established procedures, and contribute to a professional and supportive laboratory culture. Because PCM supports multiple projects and investigators, the technician must be organized, adaptable, and able to balance routine responsibilities with changing study needs.We value team members who are dependable, curious, willing to learn, committed to high-quality work, and comfortable asking questions when clarification is needed. The ideal candidate will take pride in careful execution, accurate documentation, humane animal care, and the overall success of the shared resource.

Job ResponsibilitiesThe Lab Technician will assist with a variety of preclinical cancer research activities, including:Animal study support

Perform routine animal husbandry, monitoring, and study support activities.
Assist with tumor measurements, study monitoring, and data recording.
Carry out small animal handling and procedures, which may include injections, bleeds, dissections, and tissue harvesting.
Support therapeutic studies, tumor model development, and endpoint tissue collection.
Follow approved animal protocols, institutional policies, IACUC requirements, and PCM standard operating procedures.
Maintain proper respect for and humane care and handling of research animals.

Cell line and patient-derived organoid support

Perform routine culture and maintenance of established cancer cell lines.
Support culture, passaging, expansion, cryopreservation, and recovery of patient-derived organoids.
Maintain sterile technique and follow established procedures for biospecimen handling, media preparation, and contamination prevention.
Monitor cultures for growth characteristics, morphology, viability, and evidence of contamination.
Prepare and aliquot culture media, supplements, extracellular matrix components, and other reagents used for cell line and organoid workflows.
Maintain accurate records of passage number, culture conditions, cryostorage location, sample identifiers, and experimental use.

Tissue processing, banking, and laboratory support

Assist with processing fresh human or mouse tissues for culture, banking, molecular analysis, or downstream experimental applications.
Support tissue collection, sample labeling, cryopreservation, and inventory tracking.
Prepare reagents, media, chemicals, and solutions.
Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and work areas.
Clean and maintain tissue culture and laboratory spaces.
Assist with biosafety, laboratory safety, and compliance documentation.

Data and documentation

Maintain accurate study records, laboratory notebooks, and sample tracking information.
Compile and organize experimental data.
Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and presentations.
Communicate effectively with PCM staff, investigators, and other research personnel.

Approximate Effort DistributionThe expected distribution of effort may be adjusted based on project needs and the skills of the selected candidate.Animal procedures, monitoring, and study support | 45 to 50%
Cell line and patient-derived organoid culture | 15 to 20%
Tissue processing, banking, and biospecimen handling | 10 to 15%
Molecular biology / assay support | 5 to 10%
Lab maintenance, inventory, and compliance documentation | 10%
Data entry, analysis support, and reporting | 5%

Compensation, Benefits, and Professional DevelopmentThe University of Utah offers a comprehensive benefits package. This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in preclinical cancer research, animal models, biospecimen processing, cell culture-based workflows, and shared resource operations within a collaborative academic research environment.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency That May Be RequiredThis position may involve the following work environments and exposures:Frequency | Work Environment / Exposure
Often | Office, laboratory, tissue culture, and animal facility environments.
Nearly continuously | Exposure to research animals.
Occasionally | Exposure to infectious agents, human tissues, animal tissues, biospecimens, chemical disinfectants, anesthetic agents, sharps, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen, as applicable.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency That May Be RequiredThis position may require the following physical activities:Frequency | Physical Requirement
Nearly continuously | Hearing, listening, talking, repetitive hand motion, fine manual manipulation, walking, standing, and sitting.
Often | Handling animals, pipetting, labeling samples, using small instruments, visual observation, bending, reaching overhead, and lifting less than 5 kg.
Occasionally | Kneeling, crouching, stooping, pushing, pulling, carrying supplies or equipment, working in biosafety cabinets or animal procedure areas, and working with cold storage systems.

Closing StatementThe ideal candidate will be a motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented laboratory technician with an interest in preclinical cancer research, mouse models, xenografting, biospecimen processing, cell culture-based workflows, and collaborative shared resource operations.

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:
Laboratory Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.
Laboratory Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.
Laboratory Technician, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Preferences

A B.S. or higher degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, animal science, cancer biology, or a related field.
Prior laboratory research experience.
Experience with mouse handling, animal husbandry, or in vivo research procedures.
Experience with mammalian cell culture, including sterile technique, passaging, cryopreservation, and culture monitoring.
Experience with patient-derived organoids, 3D culture systems, extracellular matrix-based culture, or primary tissue-derived models.
Familiarity with biospecimen processing, tissue dissociation, sample tracking, tissue banking, or cryostorage workflows.
Basic computer skills and experience with data entry, sample tracking, or study documentation.
Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records.
Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and accountability in a laboratory or team-based work environment.
Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, colleagues, investigators, and research staff.
Willingness to learn new techniques and accept constructive feedback.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, reproducible work.
Ability to contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and service-oriented team culture.
Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, laboratory equipment, terminology, materials, and safe laboratory practices.
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work effectively with others.
OSHA training, biosafety training, and certification in animal care and use, or willingness to complete required training.

Some weekend or holiday work may be needed to support animal care, active studies, or time-sensitive cell culture and organoid workflows.

This position involves proper respect for and humane care and handling of research animals in accordance with institutional requirements, approved protocols, IACUC standards, biosafety requirements, and PCM procedures.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45877B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01354 - HCI Preclinical Cancer Models
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $10 - $22
Close Date: 11/10/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9757427"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/206988