Professional Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Job Title:  Intermediate Level Research Services Professional

Position #: 00846639  - Requisition #: 39576

Job Summary:

The Cheruiyot Harvey Lab at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is recruiting a professional research assistant to support our studies of mRNA translation and RNA surveillance in the context of pancreatic beta cell autoimmunity and failure in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how mRNA translation fidelity is modulated by nutrient and stress environment surrounding pancreatic beta cells. We employ a variety of techniques including ribosome profiling, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9 screening, and physiology using both animal models of diabetes as well as cell culture models, including primary culture of rodent and human pancreatic tissue, rodent and human beta cell lines, and stem-cell derived beta cells. 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. The incumbent will also be involved in general laboratory maintenance including ordering/restocking, equipment maintenance, and overseeing laboratory safety.

Key Responsibilities / Duties:

Animal work (20%)

• Tagging and genotyping of mice

• Assist with metabolic studies in mice

• Dissect and process mouse tissues for immunohistochemical analysis

Routine and advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and cell biology techniques (60%)

• Standard bench work (e.g., ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification, protein extraction and western blotting, tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy)

• Culture cell lines and primary tissue (islets)

• Differentiate human embryonic stem cells to islet cells

• Optimize and establish advanced molecular biology techniques including analysis of gene expression (single cell sequencing and ribosome profiling), RNA decay, and mRNA translation

• Bioinformatics analysis of available single-cell and proteomics datasets

General lab duties (20%)

• Take inventory of laboratory supplies and order new supplies as necessary

• Equipment setup, maintenance, and repair

• Manage chemical inventories and arrange pickup of chemical waste

• Act as laboratory safety coordinator

• 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 (BDC) provides a rich and collaborative training environment that integrates basic science research on pancreatic and immune dysfunction with clinical investigation of novel therapies for people with diabetes. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG), where Dr. Cheruiyot Harvey is a faculty member, offers outstanding expertise in RNA biology and mRNA translation.

Our research on how the pancreatic beta-cell environment influences autoimmunity and cell function will interface broadly with programs across both the BDC and BMG. This setting offers trainees exposure to all levels of diabetes research-from fundamental mechanisms to translational and clinical studies. Our work aims to advance understanding of gene expression control and identify mechanistic targets with potential for clinical application to improve outcomes for people with diabetes.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, provides access to world-class laboratories and state-of-the-art core facilities. Professional research assistants in the laboratory will gain strong technical expertise and develop skills that support a wide range of long-term career goals

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

• 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 campuses

• 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 animal models such as mice including:

  • Experience in husbandry, including breeding, identification, and genotyping

  • Knowledge of mammalian anatomy

  • Experience with surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples

• Experience with immunohistochemical techniques

• Experience with confocal microscopy and image acquisition

• Experience performing standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to:

  • Biochemical assays, tissue culture, ELISA, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein extraction and western blotting

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

• 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

• Ability to work with small animal models

• 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

• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions

• Ability to work with little supervision

• Strong organizational skills

• Detail-oriented

• 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.

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

Questions should be directed to:

Abigael Cheruiyot Harvey, Abigael.cheruiyotharvey@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on (4/28/26).

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $50,357 - $64,054.

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. Wea re 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.