Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics

Section of Developmental Biology

Professional Research Assistant

Position #00771071– Requisition #21832 

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

The University of Colorado Denver l 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 Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology has an opening for a full-time  (unclassified) Professional Research Assistant  position.

 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 .

Nature of Work:

We are looking for a bright, enthusiastic, organized, kind, and detail-oriented person to become a full-time professional research assistant (PRA) in Dr. Stephen Santoro’s lab. We use mice to investigate how the mammalian olfactory system develops and changes based on an individual’s experience, with the ultimate goal of better understanding human olfactory function and dysfunction. The person who is offered this position will work as part of a team to investigate how the composition and connectivity of cells in the mammalian olfactory system are established and change. Experimental approaches used in our research include RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP), and mouse gene manipulation. We also develop new experimental approaches.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Work as part of a team to conduct experiments and analyze data. Opportunities for independent work are also available, depending on experience. Experiments will be conducted under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Assist in managing the lab’s mice, including genotyping newborn mice and keeping careful records.
• Assist in keeping lab supplies stocked, including inventorying and ordering.

 Salary and Benefits:

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at $35,600 to $40,500.  

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.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services .

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 checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

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: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, or a related field
• Laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, or a related field

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience using molecular biological techniques
• Previous experience working with mice or other animals
• GPA > 3.5

Competencies:

• Have basic molecular biology skills (e.g., pipetting, PCR)
• Knowledgeable in basic concepts of molecular biology, genetics, and chemistry
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to troubleshoot and solve problems
• Able to work as part of a team
• Able to work on multiple projects/tasks in an organized manner
• Able to use Microsoft Office suite and similar software
• Enthusiastic about research and discovery
• Eager to learn new techniques and concepts
• Able to work in a detail-oriented manner
• Able to show kindness and tolerance toward others

Conditions of Employment:

• Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug test through Children's Hospital Colorado
• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal and sex-offender background check