Diabetes Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Basic Research Division
Job Title: Intermediate Research Services Laboratory Professional
Position #:00848219- Requisition #: 39905
Job Summary:
The Wortham Lab at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is recruiting a professional research assistant to support our studies of pancreatic beta cell adaptation and failure in diabetes. Our laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how pancreatic beta cells sense and respond to stress. We employ a variety of techniques including genomics, metabolomics, genetics, and physiology using both animal models of diabetes as well as primary culture of human pancreatic tissue. Under general supervision, the incumbent will assist general studies in the laboratory using routine assays in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology.
Key Responsibilities / Duties:
Animal work (30%)

• Assist with metabolic studies in mice
• Dissect and process mouse tissues for immunohistochemical analysis

Routine and advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques (50%)

• Standard bench work (e.g., FACS analysis/sorting, ELISA, RNA purification and RT-PCR, protein extraction and western blotting, tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy)
• Culture cell lines and primary tissue
• Optimize and establish advanced molecular biology techniques including single cell genomics for analysis of gene expression and chromatin state

General lab duties (20%)

• Equipment setup, maintenance, and repair
• Manage chemical inventories and arrange pickup of chemical waste
• Assist and train junior team members

Work Location:
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is a rich training environment that brings together basic science laboratories addressing pancreatic and immune defects in diabetes as well as clinical investigators directly testing new therapies for people with diabetes. Our basic research in pancreatic beta cell biology will interface with research across the Barbara Davis Center, and the incumbent will have the opportunity to learn about all levels of diabetes research-basic, applied, and clinical. Our work will contribute to a better understanding of human metabolism and has potential to lay the foundation for clinical studies improving the lives of people with diabetes. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, and hosts world class laboratories across disciplines as well as state-of-the-art core facilities. Professional research assistants in the laboratory will have the opportunity to gain technical expertise and develop professional skillsets beneficial to achieving a variety of long-term career goals.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
• Medical: Multiple plan option
• Dental: Multiple plan option
• 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 campuse
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• One (1) year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to work with live mice
• Must be in commuting distance, or willing to relocate to commuting distance, to Aurora, CO.
  
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
• Prior experience working with mice
• Experience in mouse husbandry
• Knowledge of mouse anatomy
• Experience with mouse surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples from mice
• Experience with histological and immunohistochemical techniques
• Experience with light and fluorescence microscopes and image acquisition.
• Skill, knowledge, and ability to perform standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to, FACS analysis/sorting, tissue culture, ELISA, RNA extraction and RT-PCR, protein extraction and western blotting.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to begin where others have left off on partially completed procedures.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient 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
• Ability to work with small animal models
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and/or physiology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to keep organized and accurate laboratory records, accurately recording workflows and data into electronic laboratory notebooks
• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment

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 addre
Questions should be directed to: Matthew Wortham, matthew.wortham@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Screening begins on May 22, 2026.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $52,030 - $66,182.
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 may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
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:
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@cuanschutz.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.