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Hourly Research Assistant - Work Study
Undergraduate Federal Work Study Opportunity: Neural Mechanisms of Sickness Behavior
Faculty Mentor: Jessica Osterhout
Title: Assistant Professor
College: School of Medicine
Department: Neurobiology
Project 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.
Project 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 Medicine
Keywords: Neuroscience, Sickness Behavior, Brain-Immune Interactions, Neural Circuits, Mouse Models
Responsibilities
Student 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 sectioning
- Immunohistochemistry (fluorescent staining)
- Fluorescence microscopy and imaging
- Image analysis
- Basic data/statistical analysis
As 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 Benefits:
- Direct, one-on-one mentorship from a postdoctoral researcher and additional mentorship from faculty
- Hands-on experience with essential laboratory techniques
- Potential for presentation at local research symposiums if desired
Opportunity Type: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Opportunity Location Type: In Person
Is this a paid opportunity: FWS
Minimum Requirements:
- Motivated and reliable with strong attention to detail
- Able to commit to at least 8 hours per week
- Interest in neuroscience/immunology and animal models
- Completion of introductory biology coursework is preferred but not required
How 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.edu
Minimum Qualifications
Preferences
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
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
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
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Have you been awarded and have you accepted a Federal Work-Study Award for the current year? If no, do not submit this application.
- No
- Yes
- Have you read and do you agree to follow the work-study information and policy as stated in the Student Work-Study Handbook found on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website? (https://financialaid.utah.edu/types-of-aid/work-study/students/) If no, do not submit this application.
- No
- Yes
Applicant Documents
Required DocumentsOptional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
- Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
Open Date
05/06/2026
Requisition Number
PRN17046N
Job Title
Hourly Research Assistant
Working Title
Hourly Research Assistant - Work Study
Career Progression Track
B
Track Level
FLSA Code
Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Type
Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?
Yes
Standard Hours per Week
18
Full Time or Part Time?
Part Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Is this a work study job?
Yes
VP Area
U of U Health - Academics
Department
00219 - Neurobiology Research
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
9.62 to 17.31
Close Date
08/07/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
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