Entry Laboratory Sciences Research Assistant

University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Official Title: Research Services Entry Laboratory Sciences Professional

Working Title: Entry Laboratory Sciences Research Assistant

Position # 792931 – Requisition #24536

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

The University of Colorado has a requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations and full completion thereof by 9/1/21 or upon start date.  Information regarding this requirement, and exemptions can be found at:

Anschutz: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider284/default-document-library/3000-general-admission/3012---covid-19-vaccination-requirement-and-compliance.pdf?sfvrsn=4e9df3ba_2

Denver: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus

Exemptions vary by campus location/department.

Campus/Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Exemptions are allowed for medical or religious reasons.
• Denver Campus - Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
• Consolidated/Central Services Administration – Will follow Anschutz policy on exemptions.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here .

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Research Services Entry Laboratory Sciences Professional (Entry Laboratory Sciences Research Assistant). 

Jobs in the Research Services career family provide direct professional support of research activities.  Functions include contracts and grants solicitation and administration, grant/agreement preparation, review and negotiation, regulatory compliance, sponsor communication and post and pre award management, human subject compliance, research animal management, research laboratory coordination and instruction, environmental health and safety, radiation control, hazardous materials use, disposal, and training.

Professionals at the entry level are responsible for exercising discretion, analytical skill, personal accountability, and responsibility in a wide range of areas including academic, administrative, managerial and student services functions. Work involves creating, integrating, applying, and sharing knowledge directly related to a professional field. At the entry level, duties are limited in scope and are performed with guidance and direction from other professionals and are performed in a training and development capacity.

Entry Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Entry Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC) is a multi-disciplinary diabetes center located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.  The BDC is affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  This Entry Laboratory Sciences Research Assistant position is within the Laboratory of Dr. Aaron Michels.  The duties include performing ‘wet’ laboratory techniques and data analysis. The Michels Laboratory (www.michelslab.com ) studies the immune mediated mechanisms of type 1 diabetes (childhood onset diabetes) and has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for more than a decade.

This is a position requiring an enthusiasm for medical research and knowledge or interest in diabetes.  The candidate will be self-directed and independent with good organizational skills.  Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are also required.  This person will need to be willing to learn new techniques and handle multiple projects at one time with accuracy and proficiency, in addition to conscientious attention to detail. 

Examples of Duties Performed

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
• Support analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting, and communicating results
• Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials, and other items as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues
• Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Isolation and culture of peripheral blood immune cells.
• Conducting experiments utilizing multi-color flow cytometry, measuring cytokines by ELISPOT assays, and performing ELISA techniques.
• Perform recombinant DNA work including genotyping and PCR analysis of T cell receptors.
• Participation in day-to-day laboratory activities including ordering supplies & reagents, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and preparation of commonly used reagents throughout the laboratory.
• Limited animal care with mice related to research procedures.
• Data organization, management, and database maintenance utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel & Access programs.
• Participate in study meetings and training laboratory personnel in experimentation techniques.
• Develop laboratory research protocols in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Prepare research manuscripts and research presentations in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Maintain up to date records within research databases.

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Salary and Benefits :

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at $35,600-45,283.  

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

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.

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.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Diversity and Equity :

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] ​.

The University of Colorado Denver | 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 and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The University of Colorado Denver | 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.

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

Competencies, 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 medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Knowledge of basic cellular immunology as it relates to type 1 diabetes research
• Experience performing basic cellular immunology laboratory techniques