Trainee Zebrafish Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology

Job Title: Open Rank Laboratory Sciences Professional

Position #: 00849203 - Requisition #:40115

Job Summary:

A position as a Research Services Entry, Intermediate, or Senior Laboratory Sciences Professional is available within the Appel research laboratory in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, at the University of Colorado Anschutz. This is a full-time (1.0FTE) position that will utilize molecular, biochemical, genetic, light microscopy, and zebrafish embryological approaches in a wet lab setting.

The Appel lab studies the formation of neurons and glial cells in the developing nervous system. As a Research Services Professional in our lab, you will work closely with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to support their projects. The work is highly flexible and variable and includes standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, subcloning, gel electrophoresis, in situ RNA hybridization, immunohistochemistry), light microscopy (fluorescence and confocal microscopy), single-cell RNA sequencing, zebrafish husbandry, and zebrafish embryological experiments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Molecular cloning and PCR.

• Cell dissociation and sorting for single-cell RNA sequencing.

• Performing experiments using genetic mutants, microinjections, fluorescent in situ RNA hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.

• Manage zebrafish stocks and train others in zebrafish husbandry.

• Maintaining records of zebrafish stocks, molecular reagents, and experimental data.

• Writing reports for scientific summaries and manuscripts.

• Preparing data and figures for grant proposals and manuscripts.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Appel research group is part of a highly cohesive academic unit in the Section of Developmental Biology within the Department of Pediatrics. The Section of Developmental Biology is committed to research that improves child health with five main objectives:

Understand the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that guide normal development.

Determine how normal developmental processes are altered to result in developmental disease and disability.

Identify new diagnostic strategies and molecular and cellular therapies targeted at the treatment of childhood disease.

Train the next generation of leaders in developmental and stem cell biology and pediatric disease research.

Serve as a hub for basic and translational child health research that spans the Anschutz Medical Campus research community.

To accomplish these objectives, the faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, and research staff who comprise the Section of Developmental Biology perform research using stem cell, organoid, and animal experimental models, including Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Our investigations focus on several major tissue and organ systems, such as the brain, heart, intestine, face, vascular, olfactory, and immune systems. Our work is leading to a better understanding of childhood disabilities associated with neuropsychiatric disease, Down syndrome, the congenital basis of cardiovascular and facial malformations, and the impact of maternal health on fetal development.

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.

Qualifications:

Entry Level:

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

• Substitution: 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.

• Substitution: 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 of professional-level research experience.

Senior Level:

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

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

• Two (2) years of professional-level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Entry Level:

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

• Prior experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.

Intermediate Level:

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

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

• Proficiency with molecular cloning techniques.

Senior Level:

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

• Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.

• Proficiency with molecular cloning techniques.

Conditions of Employment (All Levels):

• Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks.

• Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen through Children's Hospital Colorado.

*For questions regarding Children's Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children's Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children's Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Entry Level:

• 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.

Intermediate Level:

• 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.

Senior Level:

• Advanced knowledge of 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.

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: Bruce Appel, bruce.appel@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by June 15, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

• Entry Level: $47,811 to $64,067

• Intermediate Level: $52,030 to $69,720

• Senior Level: $56,249 to $75,373

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.