University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Research Services Entry Laboratory Science Professional

Entry Laboratory Science Professional - Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Position #00804512 – Requisition #28130

* 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 .

The School of Medicine’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Research Services Entry Laboratory Science Professional position.

Jobs in the Research Services career family provide direct professional support of research activities.  Functions include contracts and grants solicitation and administration, grant/agreement preparation, review and negotiation, regulatory compliance, sponsor communication and post and pre award management, human subject compliance, research animal management, research laboratory coordination and instruction, environmental health and safety, radiation control, hazardous materials use, disposal, and training.

Professionals at the entry level are responsible for exercising discretion, analytical skill, personal accountability, and responsibility in a wide range of areas including academic, administrative, managerial and student services functions. Work involves creating, integrating, applying, and sharing knowledge directly related to a professional field.

At the entry level , duties are limited in scope and are performed with guidance and direction from other professionals and are performed in a training and development capacity.

Nature of Work

Entry Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Entry Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

Aaron M. Johnson’s lab on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is looking for a research assistant to work on exciting projects in chromatin biology.  The nature of the work will be primarily wet bench work in molecular biology and biochemistry.  This position will use a combination of biochemistry and cell biology work to study mechanisms of epigenetic chromatin-mediated gene silencing molecular mechanisms. Recent college graduates looking for additional research experience before applying to graduate school are welcome to apply.  A minimum of approximately one-year commitment is required. 

Professional Field

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Supervision Received

This position will report directly to Dr. Johnson who will provide constructive feedback and necessary training.

Supervision Exercised

The person in this position will be asked to pass on training that they have received relevant to their work to students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research assistants that may join Dr. Johnson’s laboratory.

Examples of Duties Performed

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects
  • Yeast and bacterial culture
  • Cloning
  • Protein purification
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Genomic assays and analysis
  • Biochemical assays
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
• Support analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting, and communicating results
• Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
• Laboratory management which includes preparing lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials, and other items as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues
• Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Extensive knowledge in biochemistry
• Laboratory classwork completed
• Ability to organize and present data generated during experiments is required

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at $40,280 to $51,236.  

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.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

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.