Job Description

Job Summary
The Center for Human Toxicology is a state-of-the-art bioanalysis laboratory within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the University of Utah’s College of Pharmacy. The Center is looking for a Senior Laboratory Specialist to apply standard bioanalytical techniques to determine concentrations of drugs of interest (drugs of abuse, anti-epileptics, among others) from biological matrices (human plasma/tissue, rodent plasma/tissue, and more). The successful applicant will have a minimum of a bachelor of science degree in chemistry or a related field, with at least four years of prior experience in bioanalytical method development. A graduate degree (MS or PhD) in bioanalytical chemistry or a related field is preferred, and salary can be adjusted commensurately. Primary responsibilities will include method development, sample extraction, and instrumental analysis. The selected candidate will be comfortable independently developing novel bioanalytical assays and using LC-MS/MS instrumentation. This position is considered Category I: Mandatory and required on campus or health care facilities to support on-site operations. Employees hired into this category will be required to be physically located at (College of Pharmacy) if they are healthy and without COVID-19 symptoms.
Responsibilities
1. Confers with senior laboratory personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research.
2. Independently conducts research following existing protocols in the laboratory, including the use of laboratory equipment.
3. Develops new procedures and protocols for compounds being studied in the laboratory with minimal to no supervision.
4. Prepares reagents and stock solutions as needed to conduct research.
5. Cleans and maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
6. Conducts literature reviews to obtain information that will be utilized in research.
7. Makes statistical calculations, analyzes collected data, and prepares reports summarizing results.
8. Monitors and assists with purchasing of laboratory supplies and materials.
9. Complies with all safety regulations governing work with chemicals and biohazardous materials.

Problem Solving
This position will work with senior laboratory members to plan methods and techniques within the laboratory. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. This position may include supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. If incumbent cannot find a resolution, the situation is referred to the supervisor.

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).
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 an appropriate scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), plus four years of related full-time laboratory experience required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Bachelor’s of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry (preferred), or other related scientific discipline is required, along with four years of prior work experience in a bioanalytical laboratory setting. The applicant should have knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, chemicals, and other related materials. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment (specifically LC-MS/MS instrumentation), ability to create and analyze statistical calculations, and prepare requisite reports. A graduate degree (MS or PhD) and demonstrable experience developing novel LC-MS/MS based assays are preferred. Prior experience working with ThermoFisher MS/MS (and Xcalibur software) and/or Waters MS/MS (and MassLynx/TargetLynx software) a plus. Demonstrates effective inter-personal and communications skills. OSHA training and certification in handling biohazardous materials and chemical waste will be required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential job functions outlined in the position description.