Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Senior) – Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Research Services Professional (Entry – Senior Open Rank)

Laboratory Science Professional

Position #00804842 – Requisition #28290

* 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

Exemptions vary by campus location/department.

Campus/Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Accommodations are allowed for medical or religious reasons.

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 .

School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Research Services Professional (Entry – Senior Open Rank) position.

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 all levels 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. At the intermediate level , duties are less limited in scope and are performed independently with occasional guidance and direction from other professionals. Work at the senior level is performed fully independently. Some Assignments will not move beyond the senior level.

Nature of Work

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

This is a full-time research assistant position in Dr. Ning Zhao’s laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics . The research in the laboratory focuses on developing novel genetically encodable live-cell imaging tools and studying aging and diseases-related protein dysregulation in live cells. In Dr. Ning Zhao’s laboratory, the major approaches are directed evolution, protein engineering, single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH), single molecule tracking, as well as molecular biology and protein biochemistry approaches.

Examples of Duties Performed

Entry Level:

• 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
  • Designing, cloning, and preparing plasmids needed in research
  • Generating stable/CRISPR mammalian cell lines, maintaining cell cultures, and preparing cell samples for imaging
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
  • Performing imaging experiments using fluorescence microscopy
• 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
  • Analyzing imaging data using ImageJ and Python
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
  • Maintain laboratory inventory and ordering reagents, consumables, and equipment as needed
• 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
• Review and implement lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
  • Help develop and organize laboratory protocols and training manuals
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required

Intermediate Level, all the above and:

• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions
• Independently review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
• Assist and train junior team members

Senior Level, all the above and:

• Assist with developing or develop protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains subject level documentation and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies
• Assist with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and shares results with leadership
• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators, researchers, and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines
• Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders

This description is a summary only and describes 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Entry Professional:

• 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 Professional:

• 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

Senior Professional:

• 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
• Two (2) years professional level research experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biology, or a related field
• Experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and imaging analysis using ImageJ and Python
• Experience with directed evolution using phage/yeast display technology
• Experience with culturing mammalian cells and generating stable/CRISPR cell lines

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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
• 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

Salary and Benefits

The salary ranges (or hiring ranges ) for this position are as follows:

• Entry Professional: $40,280 - 51,236
• Intermediate Professional: $43,834 - 55,757
• Senior Professional: $47,388 - 60,278

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.