Laboratory Sciences Professional – Open Rank – Entry to Senior

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, has an opening for a full-time Laboratory Sciences Professional at the Perinatal Research Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The Perinatal Research Center provides multi-disciplinary, basic, and translational research in the areas of Perinatal biology and medicine, functioning as an auxiliary service center, providing laboratory and other research-related facilities and services to Principal Investigators with the Section of Neonatology, and also to other Principal Investigators in other departments.

Requirements

Entry Level: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
Intermediate Level: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field. One (1) year of professional-level research experience.
Senior Level: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field. Two (2) years of professional-level research experience.
Substitution (All Levels): A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis. Additionally, an advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check.
Willing to work occasional weekend hours if needed.
Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, medical terminology, organic chemistry, genetics, and animal physiology.
Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including safety procedures and techniques.
An understanding of basic physiological principles and molecular and cellular biology techniques is required.
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information, and learn new techniques as needed.
Must be an effective communicator, both in writing and orally.
Ability to follow written and spoken directions and ask appropriate questions as needed.
Be respectful of others' input, positions, and assignments at the PRC.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Be supportive of the goals and values of the PRC.
Respect others' points of view and collaborate with other laboratory personnel to ensure the end goal is reached.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Science research background.
Basic computer and mathematics skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work under the direction of multiple investigators.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, physiology, or related field.
Graduate level coursework in human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
One to two (1-2) years of experience or background within an experimental or wet lab.
One to two (1-2) years of experience with cell culture and western blot.
Experience with data entry/analysis.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.
Follow established laboratory guidelines and instructions.
Large animal surgeries and necropsies (40%) – Assist with sheep surgeries, including preparing animals for surgery, functioning as a scrubbed surgical assistant, and other duties as needed. Participate in animal necropsies, including sample tissue dissection and collection.
Cell Culture (20% time) – dissociate primary cells from liver and bone marrow and maintain primary cell culture.
Biochemical and Molecular Assays (20% time) – Perform various biochemical and molecular assays, including RNA isolation, real-time qPCR, protein isolation, Western blots, enzyme activity assays, ELISA, and metabolomics. Troubleshoot assays. Enter, analyze, and present data to PIs.
General Laboratory Maintenance (10%) – Make buffers and solutions for all assays as needed. Maintain inventory and monitor antibodies, primers, samples, and supplies. Assist in the standard daily operations of the PRC laboratory, including washing and autoclaving glassware, keeping the research area clean and safe, and removing biohazardous wastes.
Data Collection and Analysis (10%) – Keep an organized laboratory notebook detailing all experiments performed. Ensure complete data collection and entry for all experiments. Generate appropriate tables or graphs according to the individual investigators' requests.