Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado – School of Medicine

Professional Research Assistant

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 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 .

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.

Nature of Work

Seeking a full-time, entry-level Professional Research Assistant (PRA) to join a research laboratory within the Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine. The successful candidate will contribute to projects exploring signal transduction pathways that regulate irradiation damage and DNA repair. The laboratory utilizes an array of complementary approaches including functional proteomics and in vitro and in vivo irradiation models.  These studies may lead to the development of novel strategies to help patients who are treated with irradiation for head and neck cancer.

The PRA will prepare common solutions and stocks, maintain laboratory databases, place laboratory orders and contribute to laboratory compliance. Additional responsibilities will include conducting cell and biochemical experiments independently, and experiments in primary cells and mouse models, that contribute to the laboratory’s goal of understanding DNA repair and chromatin remodeling.  He/she will participate in regular lab meetings and other duties as assigned.

Example of Work

• Lab management tasks, preparing solutions, cleaning glassware and ordering reagents
• Participate in experimental design and data analysis
• Execution of experiments using a variety of biochemical and molecular biology assays
• Trouble shoot technical issues
• Coordinate and work as a team with other lab personnel as needed
• Present experiment results at lab meetings
• Perform all research compliance activities required by the University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus
• Other related duties as assigned by PI

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position has been established at $36,500 to $38,500.  

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 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-wellness

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

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/HR/jobs/Pages/JobsatCUDenver.aspx  

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.

Condition of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal and sex-offender background check

 Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a biology related field.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in research laboratory setting.
• Experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Western blotting, DNA repair, proliferation, survival and apoptosis assays
• Understanding of proteomics and mass spectrometry

 Required Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism
• Cell culture experience
• The ability to work independently, but cooperatively, with the research lab team.
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice and primary cell cultures.