Bench Scientist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

A Research Scientist position is available in the School of Medicine Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Facility at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to help solve challenging biomedical problems using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniques. Prospective candidates will join a productive team leveraging advanced bioanalytical methods to address complex questions in health and disease. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail oriented, have a strong aptitude for learning new areas of research, and be adept at managing multiple projects in parallel.

The Research Scientist will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of researchers, both locally and nationally, and will support proteomics and informatics analysis for several funded projects aimed at improving patient outcomes. Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. in biological, chemical or computer sciences, with significant experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, bioinformatics, and wish to expand their training in multiple disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

         Prepare complex biological samples (tissues, plasma, cell cultures) and execute proteomics workflows spanning global proteomics, phosphoproteomics, ECM proteomics, targeted proteomics, and more.

         Acquire, process, and analyze mass spectrometry datasets using established and emerging bioinformatics pipelines, including statistical evaluation and validation of results.

         Assist in the development and optimization of analytical and sample preparation methodologies to advance facility capabilities.

         Maintain and perform routine upkeep of mass spectrometry instrumentation and associated laboratory equipment, including reagent and buffer preparation.

         Generate detailed reports and maintain comprehensive laboratory records, including experimental metadata and data management documentation.

         Collaborate regularly with faculty, students, clinicians, and external investigators to discuss experimental design, data interpretation, and study outcomes.

         Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and technical reports, and assist with laboratory operations including protocol development, supply management, and data storage systems.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell's machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

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.

        Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

        Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab

        Prior experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics

        Two (2) or more years' experience preparing samples for LC-MS analysis.

        Two (2) or more years' experience with bench science and analytical instrumentation.

        Experience with bioinformatics

Preferred Qualifications:

        PhD degree in biological sciences, computational disciplines, or a related field within the last three years.

        Record of productivity supported by peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals

        Experience with Thermo and Bruker LC-MS platforms

        Experience with FragPipe, PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut and DIA-NN

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

        Strong foundation in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including data acquisition strategies such as DDA and DIA, protein identification, and quantitative workflows across diverse sample types including tissues, plasma, and cell cultures

        Familiarity with a broad range of proteomics technologies and applications, including PTM mapping, phosphoproteomics, stable isotope tracing, targeted MS-based quantitative methods, cross-linking mass spectrometry, and redox or quantitative proteomics

        Experience with bioinformatics tools commonly used in the field, such as FragPipe, PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, and/or DIA-NN, and with applying statistical and multivariate analysis methods to large-scale proteomics datasets; programming proficiency in R, Python, or C is a plus

        Skilled in sample preparation for LC-MS analysis across a variety of proteomics workflows and experienced in operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation, ideally including Thermo and/or Bruker LC-MS platforms

        Experience with proteomic data analysis and data mining, figure generation, and contributing to manuscript and report preparation, including the ability to develop, optimize, and document analytical methods and standard operating procedures

        Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail and organization, working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team

        Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage regularly with faculty, students, clinicians, and external research partners, and the adaptability to learn new techniques and research areas as the needs of the facility evolve

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: Anthony Saviola, Anthony.Saviola@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 31, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$70,000 to $85,000 

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.