Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open-Rank)

Job Summary:

This Laboratory Sciences Professional position (open rank - Intermediate, Senior, or Principal Professional level) is available to assist the Principal Investigators (PI) on multiple projects and oversee general laboratory operations at the Gates Institute. We are looking for a candidate to join our team who is proficient in the field of cellular reprogramming and clinical manufacturing and who is passionate about translational research, developing therapies and diagnostic tools for rare conditions. Our research focuses on a variety of projects related to regenerative medicine, cellular aging, and stem cell therapy development. Among the projects, the department develops an induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapies to treat inherited skin blistering diseases.

The team works closely with the Gates Biomanufacturing Facility (GBF) in advancing cell therapies developed by the laboratory into clinical manufacturing. In the laboratory, the department utilizes induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), CRISPR/Cas9, mouse xenograft models, human cell culture techniques, organoids, and other cell and molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will perform molecular and cellular biology experiments such as immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, molecular cloning, cell culture, qPCR, ddPCR, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into a variety of cell types, and CRISPR-Cas-mediated gene targeting. Laboratory duties will involve receiving laboratory reagents and making stock solutions. This position requires independent judgment in daily operations and in solving non-routine problems. Development of new techniques and independence will be expected and encouraged. The laboratory environment is team-oriented, where creativity, enthusiasm and dedication are rewarded.

In addition, the candidate is expected to assist the Stem Cell Biobank and Disease Modeling Core in performing services related to cell reprogramming and gene editing as needed. Furthermore, at the Principal Professional level, the candidate will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in cellular reprogramming, leveraging their expertise to educate and train Core users. The candidate will act as a consultative resource, providing guidance on experimental design, optimization strategies, and data interpretation related to cellular reprogramming and associated methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Intermediate Professional Level:

• Order supplies for daily operations of the laboratory and core using CU Market Place and purchasing system.
• Receive laboratory reagents and making stock solutions.
• Manage procurement, cost analysis, writing animal, IRB and biosafety protocols, and scientific expertise application.
• Oversee independent research projects and plan the scope of work for timely project fulfillment.
• Development of new techniques and independence will be expected and encouraged.
• Independently design and execute experiments related to cellular reprogramming, gene editing, and iPSC differentiation into a variety of tissues.
• Perform computer data entry and data analysis.

Senior Professional Level:

In addition to the above duties, the Senior Professional will also be responsible for:

• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators, researchers, and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines.
• Provide input and feedback to the PI on opportunities for development and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain laboratory manuals including all laboratory protocols, SOPs, and policies.
• Oversee daily operations of the laboratory and the core facility.
• Manage laboratory operation by organizing laboratory space and supplies, as well as maintaining functional tissue culture suites and cell biorepositories.
• Assist the PI and the administrative team with budgeting and financing.

Principal Professional Level:

In addition to the above duties, the Principal Professional will also be responsible for:

• Acting as a Subject Matter Expert in the area of cellular reprogramming, providing guidance on experimental design, optimization strategies, and data interpretation related to cellular reprogramming and associated methodologies.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The opportunity offered by the Gates Institute is one of a kind. We blend the best of a large research organization of over 40,000 employees strong, with the family atmosphere of working with a team of 50 highly dedicated people, operating on a top tier research campus - the University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus.

The Gates Institute and its partners on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus are delivering lifesaving therapies and working to develop more every day. We are only limited by our resources and need you to make our journey a success!

In addition to the benefits offered, a few links are included below, identifying some of the exciting life sciences the Gates Institute is delivering to patients.

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, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

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, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Intermediate Professional Level:

• A bachelor's degree biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of professional level research experience.

Senior Professional Level:

• A bachelor's degree biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of professional level research experience.
• Experience working with human primary cell cultures.

Principal Professional Level:

• A bachelor's degree biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years of professional-level research experience, including three (3) years of extensive hands-on experience in iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation.
• Experience working with primary human cells and molecular biology techniques.

Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Condition of Employment: Must be willing and able...

• Work with human cell lines and tissues, and bodily fluids
• Work with animal models (mice)

Preferred Qualifications: (all levels)

• Five (5) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
• Experience working with mammalian cell cultures.
• Experience working with human primary cell lines.
• Four (4) years of extensive experience with iPSC generation, maintenance and differentiation.
• Experience working with laboratory animals.
• Experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques.
• Experience in clinical manufacturing settings.
• Experience in training and mentoring others in a laboratory setting.
• Experience working in a core facility

Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to design and execute controlled experiments independently.
• 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.
• Good organizational skills.
• Proficient in the English language.
• Strong work ethic.
• Excellent record keeping abilities.
• Willingness to learn.
• Possess independent judgement in daily operations and in solving non-routine problems, as well as fiduciary responsibility.

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: Donna.3.Parker@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 7, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:

Intermediate Professional Level:

• $48,970-$62,290

Senior Professional Level:

• $52,941-$67,341

Principal Professional Level:

• $60,882-$77,442

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 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 hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

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.