Open Rank Research Services Professional (Entry – Senior)

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

95d • $46,274 - $69,848

About The Position

We are seeking a Laboratory Sciences Research Services Professional (Entry, Intermediate or Senior level) to join our supportive and collaborative team. The Colorado Lactation Labs in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences are at the forefront of research in an important field of women’s health that supports health outcomes across generations. We study the main drivers of lactation failure and develop new strategies to expand research capabilities. We utilize multiple approaches, including preclinical models and primary samples from human subjects, to study the molecular and cellular biology of the mammary gland in a translationally relevant way. We are seeking to recruit an individual with familiarity in basic laboratory techniques, with a few pre-requisites: (1) Basic understanding of molecular biology; (2) Excellent verbal and written communication skills; (3) Excellent organizational skills; and (4) The ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with other members of the laboratory. Some laboratory research experience is preferred, but not required. In general, this will include prior experience in execution of experiments, tabulation and analysis of results, careful record-keeping with an electronic laboratory notebook, and performance of daily operations. This Research Professional’s primary responsibility will be to develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects (50%) under the guidance of other laboratory members. This includes handling of live mice, and related regulatory training, and possible human subjects research coordination and sample processing. Additional responsibilities include isolation of mammary epithelial components from mouse models, flow cytometry, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques, microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), RNA and protein isolation, qRT-PCR, western blotting and transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Additionally, this individual will be responsible for administrative duties (50%) including, but not limited to, maintaining meticulous record-keeping of experiments and laboratory operations, ordering and inventorying of supplies and reagents, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment. They will also assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in management of laboratory finances and compliance with health and safety regulations. Finally, teaching and mentoring of other lab members or students is expected though this is not direct supervision. Please note that this position requires flexible work hours, including occasional early mornings, nights and weekends, as required for completion of study aims.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.
• 1-3 years experience or background within an experimental or wet laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Handle live mice and related regulatory training.
• Coordinate human subjects research and sample processing.
• Isolate mammary epithelial components from mouse models.
• Perform flow cytometry, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques.
• Conduct microscopy, ELISA, RNA and protein isolation, qRT-PCR, western blotting.
• Maintain meticulous record-keeping of experiments and laboratory operations.
• Order and inventory supplies and reagents.
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in management of laboratory finances.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Teach and mentor other lab members or students.
• Participate in lab meetings and present at local conferences.
• Contribute to project development and manuscript preparation.

Benefits

• Medical: Multiple plan options.
• Dental: Multiple plan options.
• Disability, Life, Vision insurance.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree