Laboratory Sciences Professional

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

124d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Ophthalmology seeks a full-time (1.0 FTE) Entry-Level Research Services Professional. The Laboratory Science Professional will perform Stem cell and organoid culture following aseptic technique, and will be responsible for preparing media and reagents, as well as other duties within the cell culture facility; Additionally, the person hired for this position will provide support to other laboratory research activities. The successful candidate will join The Human 3D Retina Modeling Lab (3DRet Lab) under the supervision of Dr. Valeria Canto-Soler and Dr. Silvia Aparicio Domingo. This laboratory is part of CellSight, the Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, a cross-disciplinary team of investigators working in a highly collaborative environment with the common goal of developing novel stem cell-based therapeutics to treat ocular diseases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.
Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis
Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
Outstanding customer service skills
Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
Experience executing general laboratory maintenance tasks
Demonstrated ability to work independently while adhering to quality standards
1-2 years of professional level experience in basic research in the visual sciences
1-2 years of professional-level research experience in cell culture, especially in culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
Experience in stem-cell derived 3D systems, particularly hiPSC-derived retinal organoids
Experience in cell biology techniques, including tissue processing, immune-based assays, fluorescence standard and confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell sorting
Experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation; cDNA synthesis; real time PCR; western blot; electrophoresis
Track of co-authored publications in relevant fields

Responsibilities

Culture, maintenance and expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)
Differentiation of hiPSC into retinal organoids
Performing quality control of cell lines and organoid cultures
Maintaining a good record of laboratory activities and organized, backed-up data files
Aiding the Lab manager with lab organization, maintaining inventory and ensuring regulatory
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