Professional Research Assistant

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS

Position Number: 00787298

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 – Exemptions are allowed for medical or religious reasons.
• Denver Campus - Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
• Consolidated/Central Services Administration – Will follow Anschutz policy on exemptions.

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

Nature of Work and Profession Field

The primary duties of this full time Professional Research Assistant position will be to perform molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and structural biology experiments designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing and its role in disease, as well as the structure and function of the Six1/Eya transcriptional complex for anti-cancer drug design. Review of applicants will begin as soon as possible and terminate as the position is filled. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Supervision Received

The Professional Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the PI or other senior members of the lab.

Supervision Exercised

After an initial training period, the Professional Research Assistant will work independently on his/her own project investigating aspects of the molecular mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing, the structure and function of the Six1/Eya transcriptional complex, as well as aid other laboratory personnel with experimentation, as needed.

Examples of Work Performed

• Molecular biology experiments including sub-cloning and mutagenesis
• Protein and/or RNA expression and purification
• Biochemical and biophysical analyses of protein/protein interaction and/or enzyme function 
• Yeast genetic experiments to study the function of the gene of interest 
• Mammalian cell culture experiments
• Evaluate small molecule compounds in biochemical and cell culture experiments
• If interested, the PRA can learn to prepare EM grids, collect data and determine the cryo-EM structure of protein or protein-RNA complexes
• Assistance in basic operation of lab, including preparation of solutions and autoclaving material
• Assistance with analysis of data and preparation of figures for publication

Salary and Benefits

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 below 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.

• PRA Level 1: $35,600-$42,500
• PRA Level 2:  $37,500-$54,000

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 Requirements

PRA Level 1

• BS/BA in molecular biology/biochemistry/chemistry or a related field, or equivalent experience as designated by the Dean or his/her designee.

PRA Level 2

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant field, and two years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree in relevant field.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous experience with structural biology is a preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good understanding and experimental skills in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
• Be able to design and troubleshoot new experiments.
• Ability to work on several projects, with several different team members, simultaneously.