Research Professional (Open Rank, Intermediate-Senior)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Burger laboratory in the Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research, within the Department of Orthopedics, is seeking to fill the position of a Research Services Principal Professional. Candidates may also be considered at intermediate or senior level. In the Burger lab, we are interested in early vertebrate development of the axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice as models, as well as associated structural birth defects, such as spina bifida, or defects affecting the heart/blood/bone/kidney. We are further interested in how the axial mesoderm develops into the intervertebral discs, and associated underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as intervertebral disc disease, such as IVD degeneration. The Research Services Principal Professional is expected to be the research lead for several ongoing projects, including design of experimental setup, data generation, and data interpretation, with the following key responsibilities: • Perform molecular biology experiments and related animal work, including mouse husbandry, genotyping, tissue collection, see details below (~90%25 of work) • Perform administrative tasks, see details below (~10%25 of work)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis
One (1) year professional level wet lab research experience, including mouse work
Two (2) years professional level wet lab research experience, including mouse work
Three (3) years professional level wet lab research experience, including mouse work

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related fiel
Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, including mouse woPrior experience with molecular biology methods including, but not limited to PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, RNA in situ hybridization
Prior experience with molecular biology methods including, but not limited to PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, RNA in situ hybridization, etc.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects
Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions
Independently Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
Assist and train junior team members.
Assist with developing or develop protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains subject level documentation and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies
Assist with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and shares results with leadership
Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators, researchers and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines
Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders
Oversee and provide informal leadership to the team members including managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating and redistributing workloads on a temporary basis, and mentoring staff
Provide input and feedback to leadership on team members overall performance, performance evaluations, opportunities for development, and process improvement initiatives
Identify training and development opportunities for new and existing team members
Act as a Subject Matter Expert and authority in the area(s) of zebrafish laboratory work and development of the spine.
Conducting molecular biology experiments, such as, but not limited to: PCR, gateway cloning, restriction digest and T4 ligation, Sanger sequencing of plasmid vectors, RNA work, e.g. CRISPR guide RNA generation, mRNA generation, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, Western blotting, RNA and genomic DNA collection from mouse for RNAseq and ATACseq experiments
Work with different mouse mutant and transgenic strains, such as mouse husbandry/breeding, genotyping, dissection for tissue collection, e.g. spine, long bones, etc.
Mouse skeletal and non-skeletal tissue harvest for histological analysis, including embedding, sectioning and imaging, and for RNA and genomic DNA preparation
Ordering consumables and materials, etc.
Maintaining laboratory area and equipment in working and clean condition
Contributing to animal protocol writing
Handling EHS requirements
Overseeing training from junior lab members
Managing internal and external collaborations with key stake holders
Presentation of research findings, e.g. at department internal meetings, national and international scientific meetings
Additional responsibilities related to position as assigned by PI