Entry Level Animal Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology
Job Title: Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank)
Position #: 00851303 - Requisition #: 40650
Job Summary:
The Belkind-Gerson laboratory in the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology focuses its research on the enteric nervous system. Using animal models, we study the effects of various intestinal insults, treatments, and nutrients on the enteric ganglia, intestinal function, and microbiome. We are seeking an entry- to intermediate-level Laboratory Science Professional to join our team. You will work closely with the PI and laboratory manager on several research projects involving transgenic mice and the isolation, culturing, treatment, and characterization of primary cells (i.e., intestinal neurospheres, Schwann cell-derived spheres) from mice. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to animal handling, animal treatments, cell culture, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and imaging. Due to the nature of this work, the position requires the ability to work full-time in person, with flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Applicants should be self-motivated and highly driven.
Key Responsibilities:

• Learn and perform animal handling and treatment protocols
• Monitor experimental animals
• Provide support for animal husbandry, as needed
• Learn and participate in animal harvests
• Learn and perform tissue culture techniques (e.g., intestinal neurosphere and Schwann cell-derived sphere cultures)
• Learn and perform immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence
• Learn and perform basic microscopy and imaging
• Document experimental details
• Prepare general lab stock reagents and consumables

Work Location:
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado (CU Anschutz Medical Campus).
Why Join Us:
The Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in the Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in innovative clinical practice, developing and testing new diagnostics and treatments, and training the next generation of clinicians and researchers. Our research programs (funded by the NIH, foundations, and philanthropy) align with our clinical programs and focus on liver diseases, liver failure, and liver transplantation, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic diseases of the GI tract, childhood obesity, short bowel syndrome, and celiac disease. The Section includes many of the leading researchers in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition in the country, and research bridges basic sciences, translational medicine, and clinical research related to pediatric gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical, and research facility serving 4,500 students and is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers, and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care.
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 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: 15/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:
Entry Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or a related field.

Substitutions:

• A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or a related field.

Substitutions:

• A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.
• One (1) year of professional-level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications (All Levels):

• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
• Prior experience handling mice.
• Prior experience using aseptic technique.
• Prior experience performing cell culture.

Conditions of Employment (All Levels):

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed for animal care and experimental protocols.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (All Levels):

• Basic to 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.
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability and willingness to work with mice, fecal material, and animal tissues.
• Ability to work well in a group as well as independently, with minimal supervision after initial training.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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 the 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

Questions should be directed to: Jaime Belkind-Gerson, jaime.belkind-gerson@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 10, 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:

• Entry Level: $47,811 to $55,939
• Intermediate Level: $52,030 to $60,875

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
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.