Laboratory Research Professional, Open Rank (Intermediate-Principal)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Benefit

Retirement 401(a) Plan

Job summary

The University of Colorado Anschutz is seeking a Laboratory Research Professional at the Open Rank level to lead vertebral development studies in zebrafish and mouse models. The role involves experimental design, data generation, and interpretation across multiple projects within Orthopedics.

Qualified candidates have a biology-related bachelor's and wet lab experience with zebrafish; higher levels require more extensive experience and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field required; advanced degrees preferred.
• One year wet lab experience with zebrafish work required for intermediate level.
• Two years wet lab experience for senior level; three years for principal level.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PIs and researchers to support laboratory and research functions.
• Perform molecular biology experiments including PCR, cloning, sequencing, RNA work.
• Maintain zebrafish models, breeding, embryology, and imaging workflows.
• Assist in developing SOPs, document control, and training junior staff.
• Present findings at department meetings and assist with manuscript preparation.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Communication skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree in biology or related field

Tools

PCR

Gateway cloning

Sanger sequencing

RNA work

CRISPR

Immunohistochemistry

Western blotting

Genotyping

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Orthopedics

Job Title: Laboratory Research Professional, Open Rank(Intermediate-Principal)

Position #: 00830573 – Requisition #:40782

Job Summary:

The Burger laboratory in the Colorado Program for MusculoskeletalResearch, within the Department of Orthopedics, is seeking to fillthe position of a Research Lead for research relating to vertebratenotochord and intervertebral disc development and disease. In theBurger lab, we are interested in early vertebrate development ofthe axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice asmodels, as well as associated structural birth defects, such asspina bifida, or defects affecting the heart/blood/bone/kidney. Weare further interested in how the axial mesoderm develops into theintervertebral discs, and associated underlying molecularmechanisms, as well as intervertebral disc disease, such as IVDdegeneration. This position is expected to be the research lead forseveral ongoing projects, including design of experimental setup,data generation, and data interpretation.

All Levels

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) andother stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required forresearch projects
• Independently and creatively identify laboratorysolutions
• Independently Review, develop and implement new or modifiedlaboratory techniques required for research projects
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creationand implementation of processes and procedures and qualityimprovement initiatives
• Assist and train junior team members.

Senior Level: All Duties listed above plus the following:

• Assist with developing or develop protocol-specific systems anddocuments including process flows, training manuals, and StandardOperating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains subject level documentationand prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies
• Assist with identifying issues related to operationalefficiency and shares results with leadership
• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in studydesign, study oversight, data management, data analysis andmanuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators,researchers and clinicians on new research activities across a widerange of disciplines
• Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders

Principal Level: All Duties listed above plus the following:

• Oversee and provide informal leadership to the team membersincluding managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating andredistributing workloads on a temporary basis, and mentoringstaff
• Provide input and feedback to leadership on team membersoverall performance, performance evaluations, opportunities fordevelopment, and process improvement initiatives
• Identify training and development opportunities for new andexisting team members
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert and authority in the area(s) ofzebrafish laboratory work and development of the spine.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

Wet lab key responsibilities:

• Conducting molecular biology experiments, such as, but notlimited to: PCR, gateway cloning
• restriction digest and T4 ligation, Sanger sequencing ofplasmid vectors, RNA work, e.g. CRISPR guide RNA generation, mRNAgeneration, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, Western blotting,RNA and genomic DNA collection from zebrafish for RNAseq andATACseq experiments
• Work and maintain different zebrafish mutant and transgenicstrains; including zebrafish husbandry and breeding, embryocollection, genotyping, micro-injection, microscopy of zebrafishembryos, etc.
• Zebrafish skeletal and non-skeletal tissue harvest forhistological analysis, including embedding, sectioning and imaging,and for RNA and genomic DNA isolation

Administrative responsibilities:

• Ordering consumables and materials, etc.
• Maintaining laboratory area and equipment in working and cleancondition
• Contributing to animal protocol writing
• Handling EHS requirements
• Overseeing training from junior lab members
• Managing internal and external collaborations with key stakeholders
• Presentation of research findings, e.g. at department internalmeetings, national and international scientific meetings
• Additional responsibilities related to position as assigned byPI

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located inAurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado, Department of Orthopedics is arecognized global leader in the field and Colorado's most trustedorthopedic group for adults and children. Our unique position atthe forefront of medical science, education, and practiceinnovation translates in real-time to the most advanced patientcare, unmatched in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. Fromroutine cases to the most complex, we treat every orthopediccondition including injuries and diseases of the bones, joints,nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles across many orthopedicspecialties.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday,vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers anexcellent 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 grosspay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 15/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on allCU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Intermediate level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry,genetics or related field
  • A combination of education and relatedtechnical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for thebachelor's degree on a year for year basis
• One (1) year professional level wet lab research experience,including zebrafish work

Senior level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry,genetics or related field
  • A combination of education and relatedtechnical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for thebachelor's degree on a year for year basis
• Two (2) years professional level wet lab research experience,including zebrafish work

Principal level

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry,genetics or related field
  • A combination of education and relatedtechnical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for thebachelor's degree on a year for year basis
• Three (3) years professional level wet lab research experience,including zebrafish work

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry,genetics or related field
• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wetlaboratory, including zebrafish work
• Prior experience with molecular biology methods including, butnot limited to PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, RNAin situ hybridization, etc.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safetyprocedures and techniques
• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing andorally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective workingrelationships with employees at all levels throughout theinstitution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medicalterminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocolinformation
• {SME} Expert level knowledge of zebrafish work and developmentof the spine.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the UnitedStates without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide workvisa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position nowor in the future.

Questions should be directed to: Alexa Burger, [e-mail]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until August 31,2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

• Intermediate: $52,030- $69,720
• Senior: $56,249- $75,373
• Principal: $64,686- $86,679

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents theUniversity's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range ofpossible compensation at the time of posting. This position may beeligible 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 plansand retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteerin healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliatedhospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will berequired to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillancepolicies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, orvolunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certainresearch areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, youmust enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicantswith disabilities throughout the employment application process. Torequest an accommodation pursuant to the Americans withDisabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADACoordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safeand secure environment for our faculty, staff, students andvisitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct backgroundinvestigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteerin healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliatedhospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will berequired to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillancepolicies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, orvolunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certainresearch areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, youmust enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .