Education STEM OPT Jobs in Utah

Job Title: Post Doc Res Assoc

Working Title: Post Doc Res Assoc-Dearing Lab

Career Progression Track: A00

FLSA Code: Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No

Standard Hours per Week: 40

Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time

Shift: Day

Location: Campus

City: Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment: External Posting

Pay Rate Range: $56,375 - $65,000

Open Date: 06/26/2026

Close Date: 08/28/2026

Job Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Denise Dearing in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. Our current research focuses on the evolution of the mammalian detoxification system and the mechanisms of adaptation to dietary toxins in herbivorous woodrats including the role of the microbiome. Please visit our website for more information about our research and the lab: https://www.dearinglab.com or email Denise Dearing denise.dearing@utah.edu.

The University of Utah is located in beautiful Salt Lake City, with easy access to world-class entertainment and recreation. Utah has 5 national parks, and the university is within a 40-minute drive of at least six major alpine skiing and snowboarding resorts, including venues of the 2002 (and 2034) Olympics. Hiking and mountain biking trails begin on campus. Outside Magazine called Salt Lake City “one of the nation’s most underrated outdoor meccas.” There are numerous performing art venues such as the Utah Symphony & Opera and Broadway at the Eccles theater. The city is also a major airline hub (Delta), with non-stop flights throughout North America and Europe, Asia (Paris, Amsterdam, Seoul).

Responsibilities

The School of Biological Sciences comprises a diverse and vibrant group of laboratories, with research interests ranging from environmental biology to biochemistry. The genetics, evolutionary biology and microbiome communities are strong at the University of Utah and offer numerous opportunities for collaboration. Cross campus interest groups in both evolutionary genomics and microbiome science are especially interactive.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, microbiology or a closely related field
• Track record of research productivity as evidenced in first-author publications
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills
• Willingness to work with wild rodents and in the field
• Expertise with next generation sequencing data and associated bioinformatics

Preferences

Preferred qualifications:

Candidates should have a strong background in either evolutionary genetics/genomics including preparation of in-house DNA / RNA sequencing libraries or microbiome science, including 16SrRNA metabarcoding, metagenomics, isolation and culture. Prior analysis of high-throughput sequencing data and experience with R and Python required.

Application materials needed:

• CV
• A one-page cover letter that includes your research experience and interests, career goals as well as your preferred approximate start date.
• Names and contact information of two references who are not the current supervisor (see below) willing to submit letters of reference upon request.
• Letter of reference from current supervisor sent within 2 weeks of application emailed directly to denise.dearing@utah.edu.

Type: Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.