Assay Development Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Rheumatology

Job Title: Open Rank - Instructor to Sr. Instructor

Position #00845757 - Requisition #39179

Job Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and missiondriven Assistant Laboratory Director to join our dynamic and growing laboratory team. This role is ideal for a candidate with strong scientific training-particularly at the PhD level-who is passionate about translating immunology and assay development into meaningful patient care.

Prior experience with CAP, CLIA, or GxP regulations is welcome but not required; we value curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. We will provide structured regulatory training and mentorship to support your success in this role.

The role as Assistant Director with Exsera BioLabs is the definition of translational science, turning discoveries into actionable tests that can be used for patient care, and supporting the development of novel therapeutics to fill unmet needs.  Exsera is a compliant laboratory that specializes in autoimmunity, complement and novel biomarker testing.  The Assistant Director will collaborate with the Director, Rheumatology Division Head and an Advisory Committee to develop, validate and produce quality testing for patient care and industry partners. 

• Strong foundation in immunology methods, ideally with hands-on experience in assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• A passion for bridging scientific innovation with clinical impact, and for contributing to high-quality patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee laboratory workflows, troubleshoot methods and instrumentation, and support continuous improvement.
• Develop, optimize, and evaluate laboratory protocols, collaborating closely with scientific and clinical team members. Partner on manuscript preparation, presentations, and scientific communication.
• In partnership with Innovations teams, analyze data for accuracy, consistency, and quality, including data tabulation, review, and validation.
• Familiarity with-or strong interest and aptitude for learning-regulatory frameworks including CAP, CLIA '88, FDA GLP, ICH M10, and ICH E6.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role will require presence on campus, particularly during the training person, it will be is eligible for a hybrid schedule of >4 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

Exsera BioLabs is part of the Colorado School of Medicine on the Anschutz medical campus, a health care focused scientific environment that offers countless opportunities for growth, both personal and professional.  Exsera is a growing laboratory in the forefront of autoimmunity and complement immunolobiology.  This is an opportunity to join an internationally recognized specialty laboratory located on a highly dynamic scientific and health care campus.   As our laboratory is a clinical immunology laboratory, we have the privilege of helping patients and their families find answers, and in concert with our study sponsors, we help bring new treatments for the rare diseases, which makes for rewarding work.

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 (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Instructor to Senior Instructor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Instructor:

• A PhD or equivalent in immunology, translational sciences, or a related discipline.

• One to two (1-2) years experience in method or assay development, including optimization and validation.

Sr. Instructor:

• A PhD or equivalent in immunology, translational sciences, or a related discipline.

• Three to five (3-5) years experience in method or assay development, including optimization and validation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with regulatory frameworks including CAP, CLIA '88, FDA GLP, ICH M10, and ICH E6Familiarity with regulatory compliance for all phases of regulated testing and project activities related to clinical laboratories

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced academic and clinical environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and client-facing communication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Willingness and ability to sit for immunology boards to qualify as a Medical Director (expected eligibility within <5 years of hire).

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in immunology, assay development, and translational research, along with the curiosity and adaptability needed to grow into a regulated clinical laboratory leadership role. They should demonstrate deep scientific understanding, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights. Success in this position requires strong organizational and problemsolving abilities, a commitment to quality, and an aptitude for learning CAP, CLIA '88, and GxP regulatory frameworks. The candidate must be able to mentor and inspire laboratory staff, foster productive collaborations with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners, and navigate multiple concurrent projects with accuracy and professionalism. Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal-are essential, as is the ability to work effectively within a diverse team and uphold the highest standards of patientcentered laboratory practice. A strong dedication to continuous improvement, scientific integrity, and data reliability will be key to thriving in this role.

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: Ashley Frazer-Abel (Ashley.Frazer-Abel@cuanschutz.edu)

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by May 15, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Instructor: $90,000 to $110,000 

Sr. Instructor: $100,000 to $120,000

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination 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.

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.