Animal Behavior Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job Title: Professional Research Assistant, Senior Professional Research Assistant, Research Associate (0.6 FTE)

Position #00818051 – Requisition #37011

Job Summary:

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Professional Research Assistant or Research Associate to support Dr. Kristofer Fritz and his Lab in their groundbreaking research in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO. 

This position’s primary purpose is to conduct research for extramurally funded scientific studies.  In particular, the research focus for this position is the study of alcohol-associated liver disease through the use of rodent, cell culture, and translational models. Various proteomic and epigenetic techniques are used to investigate alterations in post-translational modification (PTM) of hepatic proteins, specifically within metabolic and redox-dependent pathways. Specific duties include animal handling, enzyme assays, 1D- & 2D-SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, LC-MS/MS sample preparation and method development. The researcher will aid with day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including management of graduate students and undergraduate researchers. Experience in developing research protocols focused on the quantitative analysis of metabolically derived PTMs is highly desired. Special emphasis is placed on skills in animal handling coupled with therapeutic modalities, bioinformatics, and processing tissue samples for LC-MS/MS analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts experiments using various proteomics techniques to investigate alterations in post-translational modification of proteins due to metabolic toxicity. Specific duties include animal handling, enzyme activity assays, 1D SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and assistance with day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
• Special emphasis is placed on skills in molecular biology techniques and processing murine tissues for analysis.
• Method development in advanced HPLC-MS/MS techniques, particularly for PTM capture and detection (immunoprecipitation and click-chemistry).
• Compiles and records observed experimental results, analyzes and interprets data, and documents results used to support manuscripts and grant applications.
• Collaborates with the principal investigator and other research staff to review scientific literature and develop experimental protocols. 
• Keeps up to date on lab related research and technical advancements.  

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is preparing the world’s future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists through innovative learning and teaching. During its more than 110-year history, the School of Pharmacy has been a global leader in medical discoveries, patient care, pharmacy advocacy, and online education. CU Pharmacy is ranked in the top 15% of all pharmacy schools in the nation, producing graduates that exceed national student outcomes and enjoy stellar career opportunities. The School’s faculty are advancing science and health care, through programs that reach urban and rural Coloradans, as well as communities around the world.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• 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

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as PRA, Sr. PRA, or Research Associate based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Professional Research Assistant Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with animal handling, Western blotting, HPLC-MS/MS, and enzyme assays
• Experience working in a research laboratory setting 

Senior Professional Research Assistant Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with animal handling, Western blotting, HPLC-MS/MS, and enzyme assays
• Experience working in a research laboratory setting 

Research Associate Minimum Qualifications: 

• PhD degree in life sciences or a closely related field 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with animal handling, Western blotting, HPLC-MS/MS, and enzyme assays
• Experience working in a research laboratory setting 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Experimental Design
• Basic Science Techniques
• Data Processing, Spreadsheet, and Word Processing Computer Skills
• Ability to Work Independently
• Reasoning Ability
• Planning and Organizing Skills
• Written/Verbal Communication Skills 

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Dr. Kristofer Fritz, Kristofer.Fritz@cuanschutz.edu   

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled.  For best consideration, apply by 6/23/2025. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE (0.6 FTE):

PRA: $29,046 – $39,038

Sr PRA: $35,152 – $47,290

RA: $37,724 – $50,701

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.