Principal Laboratory Science Professional

Job Summary:

Obesity and aging significantly increase the likelihood of developing solid and hematological malignancies. Furthermore, these conditions are commonly associated with attenuated therapeutic responses in patients, resulting in higher mortality rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand how cancer-associated comorbidities drive cancer progression and impact the efficacy/safety of chemotherapies and immunotherapies. 

To accomplish this goal, we are looking to hire outstanding individuals with a passion for helping others by conducting groundbreaking research in areas that often get overlooked despite the need for novel breakthroughs. 

To assist with these studies, we will hire a laboratory science professional responsible for ordering items for the lab, overseeing the biosafety/cleanliness of the lab, conducting animal research (murine-based), performing wet bench experiments (qPCR, western blots, flow cytometry, etc.), graphing data, and training students/postdoctoral fellows. 

If you feel that this is the type of research that stimulates you, your efforts are welcomed in the areas of hematological malignancies (including leukemia and lymphoma) and solid cancers (specifically triple-negative breast cancer).

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining cultures of murine and human cell lines.
• Maintaining primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• Growing adipocytes in vitro and isolating these cells from mice.
• Maintaining colonies of mice including those on control and high-fat diets.
• Conducting biochemical/molecular biology assays including, but not limited to, qPCR, Western Blot, reactive oxygen species experiments, and Seahorse assays (as a proxy for metabolic activity).
• Conducting cell killing (annexin V/PI), proliferation (colony formation, cell dye dilution), and cell cycle assays (EdU experiments).
• Performing immunological assays (T-cell cytolysis, proliferation, cytokine production, migration, etc.). Note: These experiments will require training and/or expertise in flow cytometry.
• Preparing samples for big data experiments including RNA-sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.
• Outstanding lab management skills including training mentees (postdocs, graduate/medical students, clinical fellows); ordering and cataloging biological samples & reagents; laboratory notebook upkeep (including periodic checks of trainees material); managing laboratory certifications and ensuring that everything is up to date; maintaining a clean laboratory (lab benches and tissue culture room) and helping to create a warm and welcoming culture of inclusiveness and respect.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. The position requires a minimum work week of 40 hours.

Why Join Us:

If interested, you should join our team because our approach is truly bedside, to bench, back to bedside. We first identify issues in the population at large, determine potential causes of the issue using human samples, create experimental models which faithfully recapitulate the human disease, identify a solution, and test its impact in pre-clinical studies. This approach has resulted in 6 patents during my 7 years as an independent investigator. Importantly, every trainee and technician in my former group are listed on these patents. Notably, we also have an ongoing clinical trial in relapse & refractory leukemia which is being conducted with our industry partner, PureTech Health, and New York University.

Our approach to research is extremely collaborative within my group, the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and within the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (UC AMC) community. We have access to world-class facilities and cores which are ideal for these studies and our overall goal of creating novel and effective immunotherapies for patients with cancer and comorbidities.  This work is being conducted in one of the best Immunology and Microbiology departments in the world which is led by Drs. Leslie Berg (Chair) and Linda Van Dyk (Vice Chair). On top of the outstanding infrastructure provided by UC AMC, we will also work closely with investigators at National Jewish Health and other university in the state including the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Springs.

On top of all these amazing things, you will get to conduct this work in the beautiful state of Colorado. What else could you ask for!

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.
• Three (3) years of professional-level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
• Prior experience managing a team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• 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.
• Expert level knowledge of immunological processes, function and/or technologies (CAR T-cells design and construction, bi-specific T-cell engagers, etc.).
• Proficiency with the below items:
  • Flow cytometry.
  • Western blotting.
  • qPCR and/or RNA-sequencing (bulk or single-cell).
  • shRNA, siRNA, and/or CRISPR-Cas9 editing.
  • Metabolic assays (seahorse, ROS based, etc.).
  • DNA damage assays (gamma-H2AX, Annexin V/PI, cleavage caspase 3, etc.).
  • Proliferation assays (solid and/or hematological).
  • Migration assays (transwell, spheroid invasion, etc.).
  • T-cell functional assays (proliferation, cytokine production, cytolysis).
  • Microscopy (confocal, time lapse, etc.).

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: Curtis J. Henry, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until January 22, 2024

Anticipated Pay Range:

The salary range for this position has been established as $56,942 - $72,430.

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 .