PRA - Research Engineer

University of Colorado | CU Denver

Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Design and Computing

Professional Research Assistant – Research Engineer

Position #00781212 – Requisition #27428

* 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 – Accommodations may be granted for medical or religious reasons.
• Denver Campus - Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
• Consolidated/Central Services Administration – Accommodations may be granted for medical or religious reasons.

The University of Colorado Denver 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 Department of Bioengineering has an opening for a Professional Research Assistant / Research Engineer position.

The University of Colorado Denver is the state’s premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across eight schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through boundary-breaking innovation and impactful research and creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and annual economic impact of more than $800 million. For more information, visit www.ucdenver.edu

Overall Description of Responsibility or Nature of Work:

The Pulmonary Biomechanics laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering at the Anschutz Medical campus is seeking skilled, passionate, and industrious applicants for a full time Professional Research Assistant (PRA) position. The successful candidate will work with our research team, led by Dr. Bradford Smith , on NIH-funded projects investigating the pathogenesis, monitoring, and prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury as well as studies of lung development. These investigations are conducted by an interdisciplinary team that includes basic scientists, bioengineers, data scientists, and critical care physicians.

Examples of Duties Performed:

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic candidate to work on projects at the intersection between physiology, biology, engineering, morphometry, data science, and pulmonary medicine. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Design and assembly of electrical circuits and systems
• Design and implementation of software for data acquisition, neural stimulation, and data curation
• Intratracheal instillations and mechanical ventilation of rodents
• Tissue dissection and preparation for microscopy
• Quantitative microscopy; lung morphometry
• Biochemical assays (e.g. qPCR, ELISAs)
• Curation and analysis of large experimental datasets
• Establishing new techniques to achieve project goals
• Interact with postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate students, PRAs, and others in the laboratory to facilitate ongoing research
• Lab management and administration

Special Conditions of Employment:

• This position may require occasional extended hours and/or time outside normal working hours.

Salary & Benefits:  

The salary range for this position has been established at $38,000 to $55,000.

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.

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, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, 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.

The University of Colorado and the Smith Pulmonary Biomechanics Lab are committed to diversity and equality in education and employment. 

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A BS (or higher) degree from an accredited college or university awarded in a relevant discipline (e.g. molecular and/or cell Biology, pathology, bioengineering, chemistry, etc.).
• Experience with mechanical ventilation of rodents
• Experience designing and assembling electrical circuits, including printed circuit board design
• Computer programming experience in a research setting
• Experience working with laboratory animals

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years experience in biomedical lab research
• Excellent communications skills
• Expertise with MATLAB and other programming languages
• Experience with embedded systems
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with collaborators and our research team
• Experience with intratracheal instillations and perfusion fixation in mice
• Respond positively and adjust to meet new or unanticipated work challenges
• Laboratory management experience
• Comfortable with technology (e.g. computer-controlled instruments, microscopes, etc.)
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.