Entry Laboratory Science Professional

Job Summary:

The Vagnozzi lab in the Division of Cardiology and the Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation is seeking a Professional Research Assistant who is highly motivated and eager to learn, conduct research, and work as a team with other laboratory staff. The lab studies cellular mechanisms of cardiac disease with an emphasis on inflammation, wound healing, and fibrosis. This position will focus on studies of cardiac pathology and physiology in mice and isolated cells. The ideal candidate should have prior cell and molecular biology experience in a basic cardiovascular research lab. Candidates should show significant interest in working with mouse models, including transgenesis and genetic lineage tracing, to study fundamental interactions between immune cells, fibroblasts, and other cell types in the heart.

Key Responsibilities:

• Small animal ultrasound (echocardiography), tail vein and intraperitoneal injections, other animal procedures.
• Laboratory work related to cardiac biology, immunology and molecular biology including biochemical analysis, quantitative PCR, cell culture, flow cytometry, western blot, cloning, mouse handling and dissection.
• Will work on projects studying mechanisms of cardiac inflammation and repair/regeneration following myocardial infarction.
• Will develop proficiency in collecting, recording, analyzing, and presenting data.
• May assist the Principal Investigator with development and writing of research protocols.
• May assist the Principal Investigator with development and writing of manuscripts and presentations, including as a credited author where appropriate.

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 Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu. 

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

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:

• 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.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab.
• One (1) year of experience in cardiovascular basic science, ideally using rodent models of cardiac disease.
• Experience with functional and biochemical assessment of cardiac pathology, cell biology, or signaling.
• Prior research experience using rodent models and performing procedures with live animals (mice or rats) in a laboratory setting, including functional assays and euthanasia for tissue collection.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• 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 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: Ronald Vagnozzi, [email protected]

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 $45,000 - $57,240.

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 [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 .