Senior Laboratory Science Professional

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Senior Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Senior Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed. Key Responsibilities: 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, 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. Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas. Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials, and other items as needed. Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well-established guidelines and instructions. Review, complete, and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information. Provide support in researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit, and related issues. Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operational, and management needs. Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required. General lab maintenance: ordering supplies, cleaning, surgical supply preparation, and organization of data. Management of rodent colony: duties include animal ordering, survival surgeries, tissue collection, and analysis. This job entails small animal surgeries, lung and organ collections, rodent pulmonary function testing using a small animal ventilator, rodent echocardiogram, blood pressure and pulse oximetry measurements, primary cell culture, standard molecular biology techniques, and careful record keeping. In addition, the PRA will be involved in updating and formulating experimental protocols. Independently review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects. Assist Team Leads, Supervisors, and/or management with the creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives. Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders. Other duties as directed by supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or a related field.
Two (2) years of professional-level research experience.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks.
Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen through Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Willing to work occasional weekend hours if needed.
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.
Science research background.
Basic computer and mathematics skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work under the direction of multiple investigators.
Ability to follow written and spoken directions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
Experience with RNA isolation and qPCR.
Experience with protein isolation and western blots.
Experience with enzyme activity assays.
Experience with ELISA.
Experience with laboratory animal handling.
Experience with R software.
Experience with Primary Cell Culture.
An understanding of molecular biology.

Responsibilities

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, 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.
Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.
Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials, and other items as needed.
Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well-established guidelines and instructions.
Review, complete, and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information.
Provide support in researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit, and related issues.
Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operational, and management needs.
Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required.
General lab maintenance: ordering supplies, cleaning, surgical supply preparation, and organization of data.
Management of rodent colony: duties include animal ordering, survival surgeries, tissue collection, and analysis.
Independently review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.
Assist Team Leads, Supervisors, and/or management with the creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives.
Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders.
Other duties as directed by supervisor.