Open Rank Research Services Professional

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Job Title: Open Rank Research Services Professional

Position: #'00825946 - Requisition: #34527

Job Summary:

The Wortham Lab at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is recruiting a professional research assistant to support our studies of pancreatic beta cell adaptation and failure in diabetes. Our laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how pancreatic beta cells sense and respond to stress. We employ a variety of techniques including genomics, metabolomics, genetics, and physiology using both animal models of diabetes as well as primary culture of human pancreatic tissue. Under general supervision, the incumbent will assist general studies in the laboratory using routine assays in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology. The incumbent will also be involved in general laboratory maintenance including ordering/restocking, equipment maintenance, and overseeing laboratory safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with metabolic studies in mice
• Dissect and process mouse tissues for immunohistochemical analysis
• Perform routine molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques (e.g., ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification, protein extraction and western blotting, tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining)
• Culture cell lines and primary tissue
• Perform general lab duties including ordering supplies and equipment repair
• Act as laboratory safety coordinator
• Optimize and establish advanced molecular biology techniques including single cell genomics for analysis of gene expression and chromatin state (intermediate)

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is a rich training environment that brings together basic science laboratories addressing pancreatic and immune defects in diabetes as well as clinical investigators directly testing new therapies for people with diabetes. Our basic research in pancreatic beta cell biology will interface with research across the Barbara Davis Center, and the incumbent will have the opportunity to learn about all levels of diabetes research-basic, applied, and clinical. Our work will contribute to a better understanding of human metabolism and has potential to lay the foundation for clinical studies improving the lives of people with diabetes. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, and hosts world class laboratories across disciplines as well as state-of-the-art core facilities. Professional research assistants in the laboratory will have the opportunity to gain technical expertise and develop professional skillsets beneficial to achieving a variety of long-term career goals.

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, biochemistry, molecular biology, 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

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, 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 of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to work with live mice
• Must be in commuting distance, or willing to relocate to commuting distance, to Aurora, CO.

Preferred Qualifications:

Entry Level:

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Prior experience working with mice including:
• • Experience in mouse husbandry, including breeding, ear marking, tail clipping, and genotyping
  • Knowledge of mouse anatomy
  • Experience with mouse surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples from mice
• Experience with immunohistochemical techniques
• Experience with light and fluorescence microscopes and image acquisition
• Experience performing standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to:
  • Biochemical assays, tissue culture, ELISA, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein extraction and western blotting

Preferred Qualifications:

Intermediate Level:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
• Prior experience working with mice including:
  • Experience in mouse husbandry, including breeding, ear marking, tail clipping, and genotyping
  • Knowledge of mouse anatomy
  • Experience with mouse surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples from mice
• Experience with immunohistochemical techniques
• Experience with light and fluorescence microscopes and image acquisition
• Experience performing standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to:
  • Biochemical assays, tissue culture, ELISA, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein extraction and western blotting

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic 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
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and/or physiology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Ability to work with small animal models
• Ability to keep organized and accurate laboratory records, accurately recording workflows and data into electronic laboratory notebooks
• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions
• Ability to work with little supervision
• Strong organizational skills
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to begin where others have left off on partially completed procedures
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

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 professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email addre

Questions should be directed to: Matthew Wortham, matthew.wortham@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by 8/26/2024. 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 Entry Level: $45,000 - $57,240

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

The above 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.