Cancer Research Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Community and Behavioral Health

Job Title: Senior Professional Research Assistant (Sr. PRA) - Level 2

Position #:00850072 - Requisition #: 40369

Job Summary:

The Department of Community and Behavioral Health and the Colorado Cancer Screening Program (CCSP) is hiring a full-time Senior Professional Research Assistant (Sr. PRA) - Level 2. Sr. PRA will be responsible for independently applying advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and judgment to support academic, research, administrative, and programmatic functions. Work involves developing, integrating, applying, and disseminating knowledge within a professional field.

The Colorado Cancer Screening Program (CCSP), based in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, advances cancer prevention and control through population health research, evidence-based intervention implementation, and partnerships with clinical and community organizations. CCSP works to reduce cancer burden and health disparities across Colorado by supporting colorectal cancer screening, lung cancer screening, hereditary cancer risk assessment, and other emerging cancer control initiatives. The program provides research-informed training and technical assistance to healthcare teams, supports implementation of best practices, and convenes cross-sector partners to improve reach, effectiveness, and sustainability of cancer prevention efforts.

The Sr. PRA level 2 will independently coordinate research and program implementation activities across CCSP initiatives and grant-funded projects. This position will support the development, execution, and evaluation of program strategies; coordinate research and implementation activities; contribute to grant and proposal development; and assist with data, reporting, and project management activities. The position will collaborate closely with the CCSP Senior Program Manager, CCSP Sr Program Manager, Director, and program staff to advance program goals and translate research findings into practice.

The Sr. PRA will serve as a key liaison with internal and external partners, including safety net healthcare systems, public health organizations, clinical experts, researchers, and community-based organizations. Responsibilities include supporting trainings, technical assistance activities, partner engagement, communication strategies, and implementation efforts that strengthen cancer prevention and control across Colorado. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position at 1.0 FTE. Occasional evening/weekend activities and overnight travel may be required.

Supervision Received: This position reports to the CCSP Program Director.

Supervision Exercised: This position does not supervise staff.

Program Coordination and Communication - 20%

         Identify and act on opportunities to partner with clinical and community partners to support the promotion of health equity and reduction of health disparities in Colorado communities.

         Serve as a primary liaison for participating safety net clinics and technical assistance partner organizations for implementation and evaluation strategies related to evidence-based interventions for cancer screening and control. 

         Coordinate scheduling and logistics of program meetings, webinars, and other events with internal staff and external partners.

         Actively lead and participate in program meetings, webinars, and other events to provide support for CCSP programming and grant projects, including technical assistance, trainings, implementation activities, and promotional efforts.

         Provide technology support during Zoom training sessions and webinars.

         Monitor progress and completion of program implementation plans and deliverables to ensure the program meets its goals and grant requirements.

Program and Research Grant Planning and Implementation - 60%

         Research design and program implementation: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating research-driven programs, translating evidence into practice, and leading multidisciplinary efforts to support successful implementation and sustainability.

         Research concept and proposal development: Experience developing innovative research concepts, aligning priorities with funding opportunities, and creating competitive proposals that advance impactful research initiatives.

         Collaborate with program personnel and internal/external partners to design and deliver technical assistance, coaching, and training to safety net clinic system teams for implementation of evidence-based strategies related to cancer screening and control and patient navigation.

         Facilitate the development and implementation progress of evidence-based intervention action plans and application of quality improvement strategies and tools

         Act as a subject matter expert and collaborate with other programs such as through the American Cancer Society, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to align and advance common goals and projects.

Program Evaluation and Reporting - 20%

         Work closely with Program Director, Senior Program Manager, and other investigators to develop and implement evaluation strategies, data collection instruments, and analytic plans.

         Coordinate logistics of data collections.

         Collect, code, and analyze data and information from surveys and other reporting instruments, analyze data in analytical software, and distill key themes to answer evaluation questions and requested metrics 

         Synthesize information and grant reporting and writing of publications and reports.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Colorado School of Public Health is a collaborative endeavor involving the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). The Colorado School of Public Health is the first and only accredited school of public health in the Rocky Mountain Region, attracting top-tier faculty and students from across the country and providing vital contributions towards ensuring our region's health and well-being. Collaboratively formed in 2008 by CU Anschutz, CSU, and UNC, the Colorado School of Public Health provides education programs, including a Master's concentration in global health, innovative research that places the School in the top 20 in NIH funding among Schools of Public Health, and community service that addresses public health issues including chronic disease, healthcare access, climate, and environmental threats, emerging infectious diseases, population mental health, ONE HEALTH and injuries for the Rocky Mountain region, nationally and globally.

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: 

         A master's degree in public health, health promotion, social work, communications, business, public administration, social science, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

         2 years of professional level experience

Preferred Qualifications:

         2 or more years' related experience in project coordination for public health programs.

         1 or more years working in settings focused on cancer screening and control, health systems, patient navigation, or public health.

         Experience or formal training in research design and program implementation

         Experience in leading and designing research proposal and grants

         Demonstrated experience managing professional social media accounts including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and utilizing Google sites, YouTube, and design platforms such as Canva.

         Proficiency hosting and scheduling meetings and webinars with Zoom and Outlook, use of Doodle polls, and survey software (Qualtrics preferred).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

         Ability to work independently.

         Demonstrates attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

         Ability to thrive in highly active, multitasking environment and meet tight deadlines.

         Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Google Applications, and Zoom.

         Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and partners at all levels throughout the institution.

         Outstanding customer service skills.

         Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

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.    Three to 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:  elsa.staples@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by August 1, 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:

$65,000 to $82,500

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.