Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Senior)

About the position

The Department of Neurology has an opening for a full-time Research Services Professional to work in the laboratory of Soumya Yandamuri, MSE, PhD. The Yandamuri Neuroimmunology Laboratory investigates pathomechanisms of chronic neurologic autoimmunity, with a particular interest in central nervous system demyelinating diseases multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). The lab focuses on the discovery and development of minimally invasive peripheral blood tools to provide insights into neuropathology. Current projects in the lab involve investigating factors that influence the pathogenic immune effector functions of neurologic autoantibodies, identifying circulatory biomarkers of disease exacerbation, and defining the trafficking and function of cytotoxic innate immune cells, such as natural killer cells. We are seeking an individual to assist in laboratory management, protocol development, and the execution of experiments. The PRA is expected to be highly self-motivated and engaged, able to think critically and scientifically, detail-oriented, organized, focused on quality, and a good team member. The position will be expected to work independently under the supervision of the PI but will also engage, communicate, and collaborate with various colleagues (e.g., principal investigator, neurology research staff, finance, and billing professionals, and regulatory team). The PRA is responsible for providing a high level of professionalism to both internal and external constituents that will maintain the positive image of the department and the University.

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
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
• Support analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results
• Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials and other items as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information
• Provide support research issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues
• Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required
• 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)
• 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• One (1) year of professional level research experience for Intermediate level
• Two (2) years of professional level research experience for Senior level
• A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet lab

Benefits

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% 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