Hoeffer Lab Temporary Researcher

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Job summary

The Hoeffer Laboratory at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, is seeking a Temporary Research Assistant to support mouse genotyping and colony management for ongoing neuroscience research.

Primary duties include DNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, agarose gel electrophoresis, data interpretation and documentation of genotyping results, and assisting with organization and tracking of genetically modified mouse colonies. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, physiology, biomedical sciences, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience in a biological or biomedical research lab.
• Experience processing biological samples and following established lab protocols.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accurate record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extraction and PCR-based mouse genotyping.
• Run agarose gels and interpret genotyping results.
• Maintain accurate sample, genotype, and colony records.
• Prepare reagents and maintain genotyping supplies.
• Assist with tracking breeding colonies and identifying animals for experimental cohorts.
• Follow laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research procedures.
• Assist with other molecular biology and research-support activities as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent learner

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

DNA extraction

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Job description

The Hoeffer Laboratory is seeking a Temporary Research Assistant to support the mouse genotyping and colony management for ongoing neuroscience research.

Primary responsibilities include processing tissue samples, DNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, agarose gel electrophoresis, interpretation and documentation of genotyping results, and assisting with organization and tracking of genetically modified mouse colonies. Training in laboratory-specific genotyping and colony-management procedures will be provided.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG) is an organized research unit of the University of Colorado Research and Innovation Office dedicated to conducting and facilitating research on the genetic and environmental bases of individual differences in behavior.

Founded in 1967, IBG is one of the top behavioral genetics research facilities in the world. Data collection and analysis are ongoing for several internationally renowned studies including the Colorado Adoption Project, the Colorado Twin Registry, the National Youth Survey Family Study, the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center, and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. IBG is home to one of the nation's largest DNA repositories for research on human behavior, as well as housing a wide array of behaviorally and genetically defined lines of selected, recombinant inbred, transgenic, and knockout-gene mice. Researchers also use many large, publicly available whole-genome datasets such as the UK Biobank, the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, and the All Of Us datasets. Current research includes studies of aging, neurodegenerative disease, psychopathology, reading and learning disabilities, cognition, substance abuse, behavioral development, and evolution.

Dr. Hoeffer's Laboratory focus is understanding the cellular and molecular basis for neurological disorder and neurodegenerative disease.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Perform DNA extraction and PCR-based mouse genotyping.
• Run agarose gels and interpret genotyping results.
• Maintain accurate sample, genotype, and colony records.
• Prepare reagents and maintain genotyping supplies.
• Assist with tracking breeding colonies and identifying animals for experimental cohorts.
• Follow laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research procedures.
• Assist with other molecular biology and research-support activities as needed.

What We Can Offer

$24.00/hour.

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous hands-on experience in a biological or biomedical research laboratory.
• Experience processing biological samples and following established laboratory protocols.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to learn new laboratory techniques and work independently after training.

What You Will Need

• The successful candidate will be dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and able to perform routine technical procedures accurately and consistently.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience with nucleic acid isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, or related molecular biology techniques.
• Experience handling biological specimens and performing quantitative laboratory assays.
• Experience maintaining research data using Excel or similar software.
• Experience working in an academic biomedical research environment.
• Previous experience with laboratory mice or animal colony management is helpful but not required.

This position will be open till September 18, 2026.