Job Details

Lab Technician

Position Number: 9748417
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Lab Technician

Job Summary

The Basham Lab in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Technician to join our research team studying novel immunotherapies for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive endocrine cancer. Our laboratory investigates how the immune system can be harnessed to develop new treatments for solid tumors, with a particular focus on macrophage-based cellular immunotherapies.

The successful candidate will contribute to an exciting, newly funded project evaluating chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-Ms) as a first-in-class immunotherapy for ACC. This work combines cell engineering, tumor immunology, and preclinical mouse models to understand how engineered macrophages can directly eliminate tumor cells while reshaping the tumor microenvironment to stimulate anti-tumor immunity.

The laboratory technician will conduct both in vitro and in vivo studies, including mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, immune cell assays, and mouse experiments. Additional responsibilities include laboratory organization, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with general laboratory operations. This position offers significant opportunities for mentorship, technical training, and scientific growth within a collaborative research environment. A two-year commitment is strongly preferred.

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 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
As a growing laboratory, this position offers extensive hands-on experience across multiple aspects of cancer immunology research. Training will be provided for techniques that are new to the successful candidate. Responsibilities include:
1. Perform mammalian cell culture and maintenance of human and mouse cell lines.2. Utilize primary human cells to differentiate, engineer, and characterize macrophages for cellular immunotherapy studies.3. Conduct in vitro immunology assays, including phagocytosis assays, immune cell co-cultures, and functional characterization of engineered immune cells.4. Perform flow cytometry experiments, including sample preparation, staining, instrument operation, and preliminary data analysis.5. Perform mouse studies, including tumor implantation, therapeutic treatments, tissue collection, and downstream processing.6. Process tumor and immune tissues for cellular and molecular assays.7. Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and accurate experimental records.8. Analyze experimental data and participate in regular laboratory meetings to discuss results and plan future studies.9. Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and other administrative responsibilities as needed.This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It 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.
This position works closely with the principal investigator and senior laboratory personnel while developing increasing independence in experimental planning and execution. The technician will be expected to troubleshoot laboratory procedures, maintain high-quality experimental records, and contribute to the development and optimization of new assays. Regular meetings with the principal investigator will provide mentorship and guidance for scientific and professional development.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 requiredNearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Recent graduates and students completing their bachelor's or master's degrees are encouraged to apply. This position is ideal for individuals seeking two or more years of research experience before pursuing graduate, medical, or other professional training.The laboratory offers a collaborative and supportive research environment with opportunities to learn advanced techniques in cancer immunology, cellular engineering, flow cytometry, and preclinical models of immunotherapy.

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

Previous laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis.
Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, lentiviral work) is desirable.
Experience working with mouse models or a willingness to learn animal research techniques.
Prior research experience in immunology, cancer biology, or cell therapy is a plus.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Animal care certifications and applicable safety training will be completed as required by the University.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45840B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 02155 - HCI Katie Basham Lab
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 12.02 to 21.63
Close Date: 09/30/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9748417"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/206682