Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry – Principal)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cui Lab (www.thecuilab.com) is seeking a Research Services Professional at the Entry, Intermediate, Senior, or Principal level to join our newly established research program. Our lab investigates the structural logic of mTORC1 signaling, metabolic regulation, and membrane remodeling. We use an integrative approach, combining high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemistry, and molecular biology, to understand how protein complexes and small GTPases function on the lysosomal surface. The successful candidate will be a founding member of the lab, providing critical technical and administrative support. Primary responsibilities include performing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, maintaining mammalian cell cultures, and managing essential lab operations such as inventory, ordering, and safety compliance. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge structural biology research while helping to establish the foundational workflows of a new scientific team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
Entry Professional: Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Entry Professional: Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Entry Professional: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Entry Professional: Outstanding facility user service skills
Entry Professional: Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Intermediate Professional: Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Intermediate Professional: Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Intermediate Professional: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Intermediate Professional: Outstanding facility user service skills
Intermediate Professional: Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Senior Professional: Advanced knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Senior Professional: Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Senior Professional: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Senior Professional: Outstanding facility user service skills
Senior Professional: Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Principal Professional: Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Principal Professional: Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems
Principal Professional: Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Principal Professional: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Principal Professional: Outstanding facility user service skills
Principal Professional: Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Higher-level knowledge of Structural Biology, Instrumentation, and Computational Biology processes, functions and/or technology
Intermediate Professional: One (1) years professional level research experience
Senior Professional: Two (2) years professional level research experience
Principal Professional: Three (3) years professional level research experience

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
More than one year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, which includes:
Hands-on experience with protein purification (FPLC/AKTA) or biochemical assays.
Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory logistics and inventories in a startup or academic setting.

Responsibilities

Experimental Execution: Conduct molecular biology workflows, including cloning, mutagenesis, and plasmid preparation. Perform protein expression and purification using insect or mammalian systems.
Cell Culture Management: Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines, ensuring consistent quality for biochemical and structural studies.
Structural Biology Support: Assist in the preparation of samples for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, and support the maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment.
Lab Operations: Coordinate daily lab activities, including ordering supplies, managing chemical and biological inventories, and maintaining shared databases (e.g., plasmid and cell line registries).
Safety & Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure the lab remains in full regulatory compliance.
Collaboration: Work closely with the PI and postdoctoral fellows to design and optimize experimental protocols.