Research Services Senior Prof

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 54,440 - 69,248; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical: Multiple plan options

Dental: Multiple plan options

401(a) retirement contributions

Paid Time Off

Tuition Benefit

Job summary

An academic institution in Aurora, CO, is seeking a highly motivated Research Services Senior Professional. This role involves providing laboratory support including cell culture maintenance, assisting in experimental workflows, and coordinating lab operations. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of professional research experience. Competitive benefits include medical and dental plans, 401(a) retirement contributions, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Two years of professional research experience needed.
• Experience in an experimental laboratory is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory support including cell culture maintenance.
• Assist in research activities and collaborate on projects.
• Maintain lab documentation and databases.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of basic laboratory techniques

Effective communication skills

Ability to establish working relationships

Outstanding customer service skills

Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Zyla Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics is seeking a highly motivated Research Services Senior Professional to join a newly established research program focused on the structural dynamics of molecular machines. This is an opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a growing lab at the interface of structural biology, biophysics, and virology, while contributing to cutting-edge research with broad implications for human health and therapeutic design.

The Research Services Senior Professional provides hands-on laboratory and research support, as well as administrative coordination to ensure smooth and efficient lab operations. Day-to-day work includes maintaining cell culture and laboratory reagents, supporting molecular biology workflows such as cloning and plasmid preparation, assisting with ordering and inventory management, and maintaining lab records and databases. The position will also support ongoing research projects by assisting other lab members with experimental work and data generation, with the opportunity to contribute to manuscripts based on their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day laboratory support, including cell culture maintenance, plasmid preparation, cloning, and preparation of common lab reagents and stocks
• Assist with research activities by supporting experimental workflows and collaborating with lab members on ongoing projects
• Support administrative and operational tasks such as ordering supplies, maintaining inventories, and coordinating shipping and receiving
• Maintain accurate and organized lab documentation, including databases, plasmid libraries, and shared lab records
• Assist with experimental data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis as needed
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment
• Collaborate effectively with the PI and lab members to support the overall research mission of the lab

Work Location

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

Why Join Us

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are in an unprecedented time of discovery — moving from grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor in molecular biology. We study transcription complexes, chromosomes, RNA molecules, 3D molecular structure determination, and how viruses hijack cellular machinery and metabolome. We are at the forefront of our fields conceptually and technologically.

Benefits and Compensation

University of Colorado benefits package includes:

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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Two (2) years professional level research experience

An advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field directly related to the work assignment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology and medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications
• Curriculum vitae / Resume

Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number, and email address. Questions should be directed to: Dawid Zyla, [e-mail]

Screening and Anticipated Details

Screening of applications begins. Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, with preference for complete applications received by 02/23/26. The starting salary range is $54,440 - $69,248. This position may be eligible for overtime depending on the level. Total compensation includes leaves, health plans and retirement contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Compliance

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. Background checks are conducted for all prospective employees. Vaccination policies may apply where required by facilities or clinics.

Search Committee Contact

Search Committee Chair: Dawid Zyla, [e-mail]
Members: Anthony Davis ([e-mail]), Shelly Fortner ([e-mail])

Additional Details

Posting date: Feb 9, 2026 | Unposting date: Ongoing | Position number: 00845155 | Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver | Location: Aurora | Schedule: Full-time