Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open Rank, Intermediate or Senior)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

13d•$50,357 - $69,248•Onsite

About The Position

Laboratory Sciences Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Laboratory Sciences Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed. Overview: This laboratory focuses on immune responses to infectious agents and vaccines in individuals of different ages and immune status. The employee will be primarily involved in translational research that investigates the effects of HIV infection in pregnant and postpartum women on their infants. Current projects ongoing in this laboratory include molecular testing of breast milk for HIV nucleic acid; dissection of human placental tissue for isolation of primary cells, cytokine assays, and preparation for spatial transcriptomics; and development of 3D models of the maternal-fetal barrier using cell lines and primary placental and fetal cells. Essential functions include performing a variety of immunological and molecular assays, which require sterile laboratory technique and must be carried out in biosafety cabinets. Specifically, the professional will perform mammalian tissue dissection, cell culture and in vitro viral infection, ELISA and other antibody and cytokine assays; PCR and other molecular assays, immunostaining, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry. The work will involve human specimens and require working with blood-borne pathogens. Specimen processing must be completed in accordance with specific timelines. Accordingly, a rotating on-call schedule is required for after-hours/weekend specimen processing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
One (1) year of professional-level research experience
Two (2) or more years of professional-level research experience
Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including safety procedures
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in writing and orally
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution; ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work independently, prioritize various research tasks, and problem-solve laboratory issues as they arise
Excellent organizational skills; solid ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Basic understanding of biostatistics, with the ability to compile datasets, perform basic analysis, and present data
Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado
Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
Experience with sterile laboratory techniques
Experience with flow cytometry
Experience with PCR and other molecular techniques

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, 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 the 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 in researching 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, operational, 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 the creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
Assist and train junior team members
Assist with developing 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 share 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
Performing a variety of immunological and molecular assays, which require sterile laboratory technique and must be carried out in biosafety cabinets.
Perform mammalian tissue dissection, cell culture and in vitro viral infection, ELISA and other antibody and cytokine assays; PCR and other molecular assays, immunostaining, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry.
The work will involve human specimens and require working with blood-borne pathogens.
Specimen processing must be completed in accordance with specific timelines. Accordingly, a rotating on-call schedule is required for after-hours/weekend specimen processing.