Laboratory Sciences Professional

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Houghton Laboratory in the Department of Radiation Oncology seeks a full-time Research Services Professional to support a translational research program focused on radiochemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology, and targeted radionuclide therapy. The laboratory develops and evaluates molecular imaging agents and radiotherapeutics using a combination of radiochemistry, bioconjugation, mammalian cell culture, in vivo tumor models, PET/SPECT imaging, biodistribution studies, tissue analysis, and quantitative data analysis. This position is intended for a highly motivated scientist with experience in one or more of the following areas: radiochemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell culture, small animal research, histology, flow cytometry, sequencing-based workflows, bioinformatics, or translational data analysis. Prior experience with radioactive materials is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong laboratory or computational research backgrounds and a willingness to learn radiochemistry, radiation safety practices, and molecular imaging workflows are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI, trainees, collaborators, and institutional core facilities to support ongoing research projects, develop new experimental approaches, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to the overall operation of the laboratory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely 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.
Senior Professional: 2 years of experience in laboratory research, translational research, molecular biology, cancer biology, computational biology, imaging, animal studies, analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, or a related research area.
Principal Professional: 3 years of experience in laboratory research, translational research, molecular biology, cancer biology, computational biology, imaging, animal studies, analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, or a related research area.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, computational biology, bioengineering, public health, or a closely related field.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: radiochemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology, molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, small animal models, histology, flow cytometry, sequencing workflows, bioinformatics, computational biology, analytical chemistry, or translational research.
Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
Experience with mouse models of cancer or other human disease, including injections, tissue collection, necropsy, or imaging preparation.
Experience with molecular or cellular assays such as qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, viability assays, or cytotoxicity assays.
Experience with data analysis, visualization, or statistical software such as GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/FIJI, R, Python, FlowJo, Excel, or related platforms.
Experience preparing data summaries, figures, manuscripts, presentations, or reports.
Prior experience handling radioactive materials, performing radiochemistry, working with PET/SPECT imaging agents, or conducting biodistribution or therapy studies.

Responsibilities

Perform and support laboratory experiments involving mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, cancer cell assays, sample preparation, and preclinical model development.
Assist with radiochemistry and molecular imaging workflows, including preparation of reagents, radiolabeling support, quality control, radio-HPLC/radio-TLC or related analytical methods, and coordination of PET/SPECT imaging or biodistribution studies.
Support small animal research studies, including tumor model maintenance, injections, imaging preparation, therapy studies, necropsy, organ collection, tissue processing, and compliance with approved animal protocols.
Conduct molecular, cellular, histologic, or imaging-based assays, which may include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blotting, qPCR, viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, or related techniques.
Analyze, organize, and interpret experimental data using appropriate software platforms, which may include GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/FIJI, Excel, R, Python, FlowJo, imaging analysis tools, or sequencing/bioinformatics workflows.
Maintain accurate and complete research records, including electronic notebooks, raw data files, imaging files, experimental protocols, reagent records, animal study records, and radiation safety documentation as applicable.
Coordinate sample preparation and submission to institutional cores, including imaging, sequencing, histology, flow cytometry, irradiation, or other shared resource facilities.
Assist with laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventories, organizing reagents, coordinating equipment maintenance, cleaning work areas, and ensuring continuity of daily laboratory activities.
Support regulatory and safety compliance, including radiation safety, chemical safety, biological safety, animal protocol compliance, waste management, training records, and standard operating procedures.
Participate in scientific discussions, literature review, project planning, troubleshooting, and experimental design with the PI and other laboratory members.
Prepare figures, summaries, reports, presentations, and draft text for manuscripts, grant applications, regulatory submissions, internal meetings, and collaborative projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.