Research Project Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Medicine - Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes

Job Title: Open Rank Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional (Entry - Intermediate)

Position #: 00830148 - Requisition #: 39476

Job Summary:

A position as an Open Rank Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional is available within the Reis research laboratory in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, at the University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus. This is a full-time (1.0FTE) position that will utilize cellular, molecular, biochemical, genetic, imaging and bioinformatic/computational approaches in a wet lab setting. As a Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional in our lab, you will work together with Dr. Reis on a research project, and also at times support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on their projects. The primary duties will be to use Drosophila genetics to characterize organismal fat regulation. Specifically, this position will characterize through a combination of genetics, molecular, biochemical and behavior assays, the defects of fly mutants with increased organismal body fat. This position also involves some laboratory administrational work that includes ordering and organizing lab supplies.

The candidate for this position will pursue an independent research project and be involved in analysis of the data generated. There is regularly ~2 hours of weekend experimental set up and with less frequency early morning and/or late evening experimental duties, depending on project requirements. There will be regular opportunities for presentation of results in group settings.

Because we work with live animals, this position requires the ability to work full-time in person, with flexible hours, including evenings and weekend when needed, as required by the nature of the work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.

• Perform experiments while keeping tight and accurate records, record and analyze resulting data. Prepare lab for daily operations, including ordering and stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.

• Independently review, develop, record and implement new or modified laboratory techniques and protocols required for research projects.

• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or Management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives.

• Perform fly husbandry, standard molecular/biochemical assays, including, PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, western blots, immunohistochemistry, microscopic analyses and basic imaging and use standard bioinformatic/computational tools to analyze data sets.

• Utilize different techniques used in different labs (or described in the literature), design experiments with the PI to apply the new techniques and adjust the scope of the project accordingly.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Reis research group is part of a highly cohesive academic unit. Our goal is to understand the neuronal and genetic networks required to maintain energy homeostatic pathways. The lab uses Drosophila larvae to identify genes and neuronal networks acting in regulatory pathways within and between organs to prevent metabolic dysfunction.

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: 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.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Entry Level:

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

• A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Intermediate Level:

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

• A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

• One (1) year professional level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Two (2) or more years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.

• Previous experience with fluorescence and confocal microscopy.

• Previous lab experience with Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.

• Previous experience with basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques.

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.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.

• Highly motivated and driven with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision after initial training.

• Excellent record-keeping skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work well in a group setting.

• Excellent computer skills.

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: Tania Reis, tania.reis@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

• Entry Level: $46,274 - $58,861

• Intermediate Level: $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

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.