Senior Research Associate

Job Summary:

Our lab investigates the function of adult stem cells in maintaining the taste system, and the mechanisms of taste disruption associated with chemo- and radiotherapy. The successful candidate will assist with a project aiming to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced taste disruption. The hired candidate will perform in vitro culture of taste organoids and experiments involving laboratory mice. The work will require, but is not limited to, maintenance of the mouse colony, treatment of mice and organoids with pharmacological agents, collection of mouse tongues, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, imaging, gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR and Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR), fluorescence and confocal microscopy, data collection, entry and analysis, and careful record keeping. The candidate will perform lab management responsibilities including purchasing, maintenance of equipment and supplies and scheduling service/calibration. The Senior RA will assist with training and mentoring students and new staff and will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Linda Barlow (PhD, Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology). 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with a project aiming to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced taste disruption.
• Perform in vitro culture of taste organoids and experiments involving laboratory mice.
• Maintain the mouse colony.
• Treat mice and organoids with pharmacological agents.
• Manage lab responsibilities including purchasing, maintenance of equipment and supplies and scheduling service/calibration.
• Assist with training and mentoring students and new staff. 

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center is a continually expanding campus located on the grounds of the former Fitzsimons Army base, east of Denver. CDB is located on the 11th and 12th floors of one of three new research buildings, from which we have a breathtaking view of the Rockies. The potential for growth here with this group of faculty is a source of great pride. We have built exciting new research and teaching programs, and we continue to recruit new faculty members as we strive to enhance our research and teaching programs.

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, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

●       MD/PhD with emphasis in biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.

●       At least 5 years’ experience in biological research.

A combination of education and related experience may be substituted for the PhD on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High level of knowledge of tissue preparation, cell cultures and tissue sectioning.
• Proficiency in animal care related to research procedures, as well as managing of a mouse colony with dozens of genetic alleles, i.e., keeping track of complex breeding strategies and timely genotyping.
• Expert in confocal and light microscopy and accompanying software.
• Experience in validating the quality of data and obtaining quantitative data.
• Experience in writing data analysis and experimental methods and procedures for research manuscripts. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently
• Ability to create and innovate
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Ability to set priorities and schedule work effectively 

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.     Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: Linda Barlow, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on May 29, 2024

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$80,000 per annum

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 is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

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 [email protected] ​.

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 .