Intermediate Level Research Services Professional
About The Position
The Cheruiyot Harvey Lab at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is recruiting a professional research assistant to support our studies of mRNA translation and RNA surveillance in the context of pancreatic beta cell autoimmunity and failure in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how mRNA translation fidelity is modulated by nutrient and stress environment surrounding pancreatic beta cells. We employ a variety of techniques including ribosome profiling, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9 screening, and physiology using both animal models of diabetes as well as cell culture models, including primary culture of rodent and human pancreatic tissue, rodent and human beta cell lines, and stem-cell derived beta cells. Under general supervision, the incumbent will assist general studies in the laboratory using routine assays in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology. The incumbent will also be involved in general laboratory maintenance including ordering/restocking, equipment maintenance, and overseeing laboratory safety.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
- One (1) year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
- Must be willing and able to work with live mice
- Must be in commuting distance, or willing to relocate to commuting distance, to Aurora, CO.
- A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
- Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
- Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
- Prior experience working with animal models such as mice including: Husbandry, including breeding, identification, and genotyping
- Knowledge of mammalian anatomy
- Experience with surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples
- Experience with immunohistochemical techniques
- Experience with confocal microscopy and image acquisition
- Experience performing standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to: Biochemical assays, tissue culture, ELISA, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein extraction and western blotting
Responsibilities
- Tagging and genotyping of mice
- Assist with metabolic studies in mice
- Dissect and process mouse tissues for immunohistochemical analysis
- Standard bench work (e.g., ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification, protein extraction and western blotting, tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy)
- Culture cell lines and primary tissue (islets)
- Differentiate human embryonic stem cells to islet cells
- Optimize and establish advanced molecular biology techniques including analysis of gene expression (single cell sequencing and ribosome profiling), RNA decay, and mRNA translation
- Bioinformatics analysis of available single-cell and proteomics datasets
- Take inventory of laboratory supplies and order new supplies as necessary
- Equipment setup, maintenance, and repair
- Manage chemical inventories and arrange pickup of chemical waste
- Act as laboratory safety coordinator
- Assist and train junior team members
Benefits
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
