Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

As an important member of our research team, the Professional Research Assistant (PRA) will support the laboratory of Dr. Gina Bouchard at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. The Bouchard Lab investigates how the tumor microenvironment influences treatment response, with a particular focus on mechanisms of radioresistance in cancer. The lab integrates experimental cancer models with quantitative and spatial biology approaches to analyze complex, multi‑dimensional datasets. The PRA will contribute to an innovative and collaborative research program at the interface of radiobiology, metabolism, cancer biology, and translational oncology.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in biology, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering or a closely related field.
Hands ‑ on laboratory research experience, including cellular biology, immunological assays, aseptic technique, and mammalian tissue culture
Experience working with human clinical specimens, associated metadata, and radiobiology models related to treatment resistance or metabolic changes
Experience managing laboratory operations and datasets, including maintaining reagents/supplies and curating, expanding, and analyzing research cohorts with subgroup analyses
Strong understanding of tumor biology, treatment response, and the tumor microenvironment, including work with human clinical specimens and associated metadata
Ability to independently execute experiments while collaborating effectively within a research team
Strong organizational skills with meticulous documentation, including maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records
Ability to provide general laboratory support, including ordering, maintaining consumables, and ensuring overall lab organization
Interest in contributing to scientific manuscripts, presentations, and broader research communication

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in biology, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering or a closely related field.
Exposure to omics and computational analysis, including work with public datasets, clinical databases, and basic proficiency in R or Python
Experience with glycosylation, metabolism, and treatment ‑ induced cellular changes, as well as spatial or region ‑ specific tissue analysis
Experience with advanced model systems and histology workflows, including TMA construction, staining, and organoid generation and maintenance

Responsibilities

Conduct experimental work and data analyses in support of multiple ongoing research projects within the laboratory.
Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and other research team members to review scientific literature, design experiments, and develop experimental protocols.
Assist with preparation of research materials, including drafting sections of grant proposals, maintaining accurate documentation of experimental results, and contributing to manuscript preparation (e.g., generating figures, graphs, and charts for publication).
Generate, maintain, and experimentally manipulate human fibroblast cultures, cancer cell lines, organoids, and other relevant in vitro model systems.
Perform histology‑based experiments, including immunostaining and single‑cell–resolution spatial analyses of tissue samples.
Provide general laboratory support and administration, including maintaining lab records, performing routine laboratory maintenance, assisting with ordering supplies, and supporting equipment upkeep.