Lab Technician-Luo Lab

Overview

Lab Technician - Luo Lab at University of Utah. The Luo Lab investigates neural circuits underlying decision-making and attention using behavioral paradigms in rats, in vivo electrophysiological recordings, and optogenetic circuit manipulations. The position is full-time and involves providing technical support for ongoing projects and contributing to the lab's scientific environment.

• Animal Behavior
  • Handle and train rats on complex cognitive tasks.
  • Design, build, and maintain custom behavioral rigs for rats, including integrating sensors, actuators, and control electronics.
  • Use maker tools (e.g., CAD design and 3D printing) to prototype and refine rig components.
  • Run daily behavioral sessions, meticulously collecting and organizing performance data.
• Surgical Procedures
  • Assist with and, following training, independently perform stereotaxic survival surgeries to implant microelectrode arrays and optic fibers.
  • Perform diligent post-operative care and monitoring to ensure animal welfare.
• Experiments
  • Conduct in vivo electrophysiology recording sessions from multiple brain regions in behaving animals.
  • Implement optogenetic protocols to precisely activate or inhibit neural populations during cognitive tasks.
  • Troubleshoot experimental hardware and software setups.
• Data Management & Analysis Support
  • Assist with computational analysis by executing established data processing pipelines on newly collected datasets.
  • Perform data quality control checks to ensure integrity before advanced analysis.
  • Manage and curate large-scale neurophysiological and behavioral datasets, ensuring proper organization and documentation.
  • Generate standardized figures and summary reports for lab meetings using existing scripts.
• General Laboratory Support
  • Accomplish day-to-day care and housekeeping of the laboratory.
  • Maintain the rodent colony in accordance with institutional and federal animal care guidelines.
  • Manage lab inventory, order supplies, and maintain equipment.
  • Prepare sterile surgical tools, solutions, and reagents.
  • Keep detailed and accurate experimental records in an electronic laboratory notebook.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related scientific field or equivalency (one year of education substituted for two years of related work experience) required.
• Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials, and substances; skilled in using laboratory equipment; ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports; strong human relations and communication skills.
• OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or willingness to complete certification may be required.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform essential job functions as outlined in the position description.

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Bioengineering, or closely related field. Two years of related work experience can substitute for one year of education.
• OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or willingness to complete.
• Excellent organizational skills, meticulousness, problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently after training and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent communication skills and desire to learn new techniques.
• Comfortable working with rodents.
• Minimum 2-year commitment to the lab due to required training.

• Requisition Number: PRN
  43138B
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full Time
• Location:
  
  Campus
• Pay Rate Range: $19 - 21.63
• Close Date: 12/22/2026

the university posting page.