University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine/Department of Ophthalmology

Research Associate

Position #00804653 – Requisition #28202 

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers

The University of Colorado has a requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations and full completion thereof by 9/1/21 or upon start date.  Information regarding this requirement, and exemptions can be found at:

Anschutz: https://www.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider284/default-document-library/3000-general-admission/3012---covid-19-vaccination-requirement-and-compliance.pdf?sfvrsn=4e9df3ba_2

Denver: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus

Exemptions vary by campus location/department.

Campus/Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Exemptions are allowed for medical or religious reasons.
• Denver Campus - Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons.
• Consolidated/Central Services Administration – Will follow Anschutz policy on exemptions.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital  and Children's Hospital Colorado  - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu .

Nature of Work

The Department of Ophthalmology seeks a Research Associate to assist with investigator initiated projects in the areas of retinal biology and stem cell technologies. The successful candidate will join the Retinal Development and Translational Technologies laboratory, within the context of the Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, a cross-disciplinary team of investigators working in a highly collaborative environment with the common goal of developing novel stem cell-based therapeutics to treat ocular diseases. The main responsibilities for this position include stem cell and retinal organoid culture and their molecular and functional characterization, research on retinal development and degeneration, and aiding the PI in the training and mentoring of students and in the writing of scientific papers and grants. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate:

• A strong work ethic.
• An ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness and aptitude in mentoring trainees of varying levels of experience (ranging from undergraduate, masters, graduate students to clinical fellows and other post-doctoral research fellows).
• Initiative to learn novel methodologies.
• Meticulous and detail-oriented technical skills, record-keeping, and scientific/statistical analyses.
• Excellent communication skills with all members of the lab.

Professional Field

PhD in Life Sciences or closely related.

Supervision Received

The position reports to Natalia Vergara, PhD, Assistant Professor, and receives general direction and training in carrying out duties and responsibilities by the PI.

Supervision Exercised

Aids the PI in the supervision of students and trainees in laboratory research.

Examples of Work Performed

The responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Leading scientific projects, including project design, performing experiments and analyzing and interpreting results.
• Developing expertise in stem cell and retinal organoid culture and characterization.
• Developing and validating new methodologies/applications.
• Aiding the PI in the supervision of students and trainees in laboratory research.
• Assisting the PI with writing scientific publications and grants.
• Participating in lab meetings, department seminars and journal clubs, and presenting research results at scientific conferences when appropriate.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) has been established at $70,000 - $75,000.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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.

 Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Diversity and Equity

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@ucdenver.edu ?.

The University of Colorado Denver | 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.

The University of Colorado Denver | 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Ph.D Degree in a biomedical science discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated experience in vision science research with a focus on the retina, evidenced by scientific publication record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in evaluating retinal physiology.
• Experience with stem cell and retinal organoid cultures.
• Excellent skills in scientific writing
• Ability to work independently yet collaboratively.
• A strong work ethic and a commitment to being a team player in the lab and advancing knowledge in the field.