University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Medicine | Division of Rheumatology

Job Title: Laboratory Science Professional (Intermediate - Senior Level)

Position: #00823762 - Requisition: #33842

Job Summary:

This Research Service Laboratory Science Profession position will consist of collecting and processing patient blood and synovial (joint) fluid samples as well as performing experiments in the lab, all in pursuit of the Jonsson lab's overarching goal to investigate the disease mechanisms that drive rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The Jonsson lab specializes in human immunology, using cells from human blood and tissues to model the cellular and molecular drivers of disease. This position will involve identifying patients in the on-campus rheumatology clinic who are interested in participating in observational research (e.g. donating blood samples for research and permitting access to the medical chart) and explaining the study to them. The successful candidate will then bring the samples to the on-campus research lab, process them, and maintain proper documentation of clinical information on each sample.

The position will also involve performing research experiments. For example, an experiment might involve isolating T cells from a human blood sample, co-culturing them with some form of stimulus, and then measuring the response using a variety of techniques. The experiments will involve human cells or samples in some cases and mouse cells or tissues in others. The work will be a mixture of independent work and professional, respectful, and enthusiastic interactions with researchers and with patients. For candidates interested in and with some experience with computational analysis (not required), there may be opportunities to use these skills for data analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Identify and consent patients for participation in observational clinical studies.
• Process human blood and tissue samples for storage (cryopreservation) and experiments.
• Perform tissue and cell staining for flow cytometry and microscopy experiments.
• Perform tissue cell culture.
• Perform in vitro cell co-culture and stimulation experiments with read-outs such as ELISA, flow cytometry, or RT-PCR.
• Make buffers and other reagents necessary for lab work.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Jonsson lab is a new lab on the Anschutz campus - a very exciting time in the lifecycle of a lab. Dr. Jonsson moved to CU Anschutz in summer 2023 after spending the last eight years doing research in the lab of world-renowned immunologist and arthritis biologist, Dr. Michael Brenner. During that time, she also worked with a large nationwide research consortium that applied cutting-edge technologies to human patient tissue samples, resulting in a high-profile publication in Nature in November 2023 Her research will leverage discoveries from these large-scale research collaborations to inform her cellular and molecular immunology studies of autoimmune disease.

In addition to her links to the larger rheumatology research community, Dr. Jonsson's lab also offers the benefits of working in a smaller lab, namely more interactions with the principal investigator and abundant opportunities for growth as a scientist and researcher.

The work will take place in a sunny space in a large open-concept lab area that houses several labs in the Division of Rheumatology. The building is surrounded by lawns, trees, and walkways in the center of the beautiful CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

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, 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:

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
• One (1) year professional level research experience.

Senior Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
• Two (2) years professional level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient to advanced knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
• 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.
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Knowledge of basic cellular and molecular biology.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Ability to work independently and be self-driven as well as work well as part of a larger team.
• Willingness to learn more and help the team when needed.

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: Anna Helena Jonsson, MD, PhD annahelena.jonsson@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 1st, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Intermediate Level: $48,970 - $62,290

Senior Level: $52,941 - $67,341

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.