Open Rank Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional (Entry – Intermediate)

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

8d•$46,274 - $64,054•Onsite

About The Position

A position as an Open Rank Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional is available within the Reis research laboratory in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, at the University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus. This is a full-time (1.0FTE) position that will utilize cellular, molecular, biochemical, genetic, imaging and bioinformatic/computational approaches in a wet lab setting. As a Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional in our lab, you will work together with Dr. Reis on a research project, and also at times support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on their projects. The primary duties will be to use Drosophila genetics to characterize organismal fat regulation. Specifically, this position will characterize through a combination of genetics, molecular, biochemical and behavior assays, the defects of fly mutants with increased organismal body fat. This position also involves some laboratory administrational work that includes ordering and organizing lab supplies. The candidate for this position will pursue an independent research project and be involved in analysis of the data generated. There is regularly ~2 hours of weekend experimental set up and with less frequency early morning and/or late evening experimental duties, depending on project requirements. There will be regular opportunities for presentation of results in group settings. Because we work with live animals, this position requires the ability to work full-time in person, with flexible hours, including evenings and weekend when needed, as required by the nature of the work.

Requirements

Entry Level: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Intermediate Level: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
One (1) year professional level research experience.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Proficient 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, and medical terminology.
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
Highly motivated and driven with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision after initial training.
Excellent record-keeping skills.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work well in a group setting.
Excellent computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
Two (2) or more years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
Previous experience with fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
Previous lab experience with Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.
Previous experience with basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.
Perform experiments while keeping tight and accurate records, record and analyze resulting data. Prepare lab for daily operations, including ordering and stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.
Independently review, develop, record and implement new or modified laboratory techniques and protocols required for research projects.
Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or Management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives.
Perform fly husbandry, standard molecular/biochemical assays, including, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, western blots, immunohistochemistry, microscopic analyses and basic imaging and use standard bioinformatic/computational tools to analyze data sets.
Utilize different techniques used in different labs (or described in the literature), design experiments with the PI to apply the new techniques and adjust the scope of the project accordingly.