Hourly Research Assistant - Work Study

DetailsOpen Date 05/06/2026Requisition Number PRN17046NJob Title Hourly Research AssistantWorking Title Hourly Research Assistant - Work StudyCareer Progression Track BTrack LevelFLSA Code NonexemptPatient Sensitive Job Code? NoType Non Benefited Staff / StudentTemporary? YesStandard Hours per Week 18Full Time or Part Time? Part TimeShift DayWork Schedule SummaryIs this a work study job? YesVP Area U of U Health - AcademicsDepartment 00219 - Neurobiology ResearchLocation CampusCity Salt Lake City, UTType of Recruitment External PostingPay Rate Range 9.62 to 17.31Close Date 08/07/2026Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)Job SummaryUndergraduate Federal Work Study Opportunity: Neural Mechanisms of Sickness BehaviorFaculty Mentor : Jessica OsterhoutTitle : Assistant ProfessorCollege : School of MedicineDepartment : NeurobiologyProject Description : The Osterhout Lab investigates the neural circuits that drive "sickness behaviors” such as fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue, which occur in response to infection. Our research aims to understand how the brain detects peripheral immune signals and translates them into coordinated behavioral and physiological responses.This project focuses on identifying and mapping the specific populations of neurons that drive these behaviors. The undergraduate researcher will assist in investigating how these circuits are activated and how they communicate with other brain regions to drive sickness behaviors or recovery during illness.Affiliations : Neurobiology Department / Spencer Fox Eccles School of MedicineKeywords : Neuroscience, Sickness Behavior, Brain-Immune Interactions, Neural Circuits, Mouse ModelsResponsibilitiesStudent Role : The student will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow to perform hands-on laboratory research. Primary responsibilities will include processing and analyzing mouse brain tissue, involving techniques including:Tissue sectioningImmunohistochemistry (fluorescent staining)Fluorescence microscopy and imagingImage analysisBasic data/statistical analysisAs the student becomes proficient, there are opportunities to learn more advanced techniques, including other tissue staining/labeling techniques, mouse handling, tissue dissection/collection, and behavioral assays, among others.Student BenefitsDirect, one-on-one mentorship from a postdoctoral researcher and additional mentorship from facultyHands-on experience with essential laboratory techniquesPotential for presentation at local research symposiums if desiredOpportunity Type : Undergraduate Research AssistantOpportunity Location Type: In PersonIs this a paid opportunity: FWSMinimum RequirementsMotivated and reliable with strong attention to detailAble to commit to at least 8 hours per weekInterest in neuroscience/immunology and animal modelsCompletion of introductory biology coursework is preferred but not requiredHow To Apply: Please email a brief statement of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience) to Dr. Danielle Hermanson at danielle.hermanson@neuro.utah.edu and CC Dr. Jessica Osterhout at j.osterhout@neuro.utah.eduMinimum QualificationsPreferencesSpecial Instructions SummaryAdditional InformationThe 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. 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