Research Services Professional (Entry to Intermediate Level)

Job Summary:

As an integral member of our research team, the Research Services Professional will contribute to cutting-edge research in Total Human Eye-Allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO with the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This project aims to advance the field of whole-eye transplantation, exploring innovative surgical techniques, immune rejection mechanisms, and neuroregeneration strategies.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking hands-on laboratory experience, publication opportunities, and preparation for admission to top-tier graduate or medical programs. The Research Services Professional will be actively involved in experimental procedures, animal handling, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, gaining valuable skills in translational research.

Key Responsibilities:

Entry and Intermediate Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential "wet" hazards. Entry Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
• Support analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results
• Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials and other items as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues
• Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required

Intermediate-Level, all of the above and:

• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions
• Independently Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
• Assist and train junior team members

Additional Examples of Work Performed

1. Experimental Procedures & Data Analysis

• Perform benchwork techniques, including ELISA, qPCR, Western Blot (WB), and Flow Cytometry, to support various research projects.
• Conduct tissue staining, microscopy, and other histological analyses.
• Collect, enter, and analyze experimental data to generate meaningful research insights.

2. Animal Handling & Surgical Procedures

• Perform rat handling, daily inspection, and pre-/post-surgery care.
• Prepare and process rat samples, including blood and tissue collection.
• Conduct ocular examinations, including:
  • Flash electroretinography (fERG) and Pattern electroretinography (pERG) to assess retinal function.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for retinal imaging and structural analysis.

3. Research Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research team to review literature and refine experimental protocols.
• Document lab results, assist in manuscript preparation, and create visual data representations (graphs, charts) for publication in scientific journals.

4. Laboratory Management & Administration

• Maintain accurate lab records and update research protocols.
• Oversee lab inventory, ordering of supplies, and general lab maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and laboratory best practices.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

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.

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:

Entry level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.

Intermediate level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• One (1) year professional level research experience.

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

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• One (1) year of tissue culture experience either during or following undergraduate training.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Provide general laboratory support, including ordering and maintaining consumables.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory book records.
• Detailed documentation of experiments and results.
• Experience with biology, molecular biology and/or immunological assays.

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: Natalie Burgess, natalie.burgess@ucdenver.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by (March 14, 2025).

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Entry: $45,000-$57,240

Intermediate: $48,970-$62,290

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.