Laboratory Sciences / Media Core Professional

Job Summary:

This entry-level role presents a remarkable opportunity for someone to contribute significantly to the efficiency and success of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics. As the Media Core Professional, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of various laboratories by preparing and maintaining essential stocks of reagents, solutions, agar plates, and growth media. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve tracking, inventorying, and ordering necessary supplies, responding promptly to requests for special reagents or media, and ensuring the cleanliness and functionality of glassware and plasticware through regular washing and sterilization.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

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

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.

Prepare and maintain stocks of various standard reagents, solutions, agar plates, and growth media for use by department personnel.

Track, inventory, and order supplies needed for media and reagent prep.

Prepare special reagents or media upon request by individual laboratories. Sterilize pipette tips and glassware as needed for individual laboratories.

Perform glass and plasticware washing for all laboratories.

Train department personnel on the use of autoclave and dishwashing equipment. Coordinate and assist in the use of that equipment as needed.

Clean and replace filters of all -80C freezers as needed.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell’s machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

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.
• One (1) to two (2) years research experience in a laboratory setting.

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: David Costantino, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 15th , 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

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 accommodation 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 .