Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open Rank: Intermediate – Senior)

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

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO is seeking a Research Services Professional to support and perform in vivo two-photon imaging and holographic stimulation in ferrets. The role emphasizes neural imaging, data analysis, and collaboration with the Scholl lab team.

The position spans entry to senior levels with opportunities to conduct developmental and awake behaving neural recordings, and to contribute to experimental design in a multidisciplinary neuroscience

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biophysics, bioengineering, psychobiology or related field.
• Intermediate level requires one year of professional research experience.
• Senior level requires two years of professional research experience and possible substitution of education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform two-photon imaging of neural activity in ferrets.
• Conduct two-photon holographic stimulation experiments in ferrets.
• Carry out chronic stereotaxic surgeries and viral vector (AAV-GCaMP) injections.
• Care for ferrets and prepare them for in vivo experiments.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot two-photon and holography systems.
• Analyze imaging and neural recording data and assist with experiments.

Skills

Two-photon imaging

In vivo experiments

Ferret handling

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience/biophysics/biom

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Two-photon microscope

Holographic stimulation

AAV injections

Job description

Overview

University of Colorado Anschutz | Department: Physiology and Biophysics

Job Title: Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open Rank: Intermediate – Senior)

Position #: 850659 – Requisition #: 40542

Job Summary: The Scholl lab in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics is seeking to hire a Research Services Professional (RSP) at the entry, intermediate, or senior level. This position joins a team focused on understanding the functions of neurons and circuits in the early visual system using the ferret model. The primary role is supporting and conducting in vivo experiments in ferrets, with a focus on two-photon calcium imaging and holographic stimulation. Additional responsibilities may include data analysis and supporting other ferret-based experiments including developmental studies, visual behavior, and awake behaving neural recordings. This position requires working with the ferret model system.

Responsibilities

• Two-photon calcium imaging of cellular populations and synaptic inputs in ferrets
• Two-photon holographic stimulation experiments in ferrets
• Chronic stereotaxic surgeries and viral vector (AAV-GCaMP) injections in ferrets
• Ferret care, handling, and habituation for in vivo experiments
• Equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of two-photon and holography systems
• Support ferret developmental, behavioral, and awake behaving recording experiments
• Analysis of imaging and neural recording data
• Collaborate with lab members and Principal Investigator on experimental design and execution

Work Location

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

Why Join Us

The Scholl lab is part of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, offering a collaborative environment with opportunities to interact with sensory systems, behavior and decision making, and computational neuroscience groups.

Why work for the University?

We offer excellent benefits including holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The University of Colorado provides a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributions 10% of gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22 per year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15 per year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 15 per year
• Tuition Benefit: Access on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail

There are additional perks and programs with CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biophysics, bioengineering, psychobiology or related field

Intermediate-level:

• One (1) year professional level research experience

Senior-level:

• Two (2) years professional level research experience
• A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a 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 neuroscience, biophysics, psychobiology, or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory (intermediate level)
• Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory (senior level)
• Experience with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging
• Experience with holographic photostimulation or related optical techniques
• Experience with chronic stereotaxic surgeries and AAV injections in the brain
• Experience with ferret or other carnivore/gyrencephalic model systems
• Experience with awake behaving neural recordings
• Experience with analysis of imaging or neural recording data

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate-level: Proficient knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures
• Senior-level: Advanced knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills
• Ability to adapt to a varied and shifting workload
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the institution
• Knowledge of basic neuroanatomy, physiology, and relevant medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

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: Ben Scholl, [e-mail]

Screening of Applications

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 27, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range for this position has been established as:

• Entry-level: $47,811 – $58,861
• Intermediate-level: $52,030 - $64,054
• Senior-level: $56,249 - $69,248

The above salary 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

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 [e-mail].

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz 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. 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.