Research Services Wet Laboratory Principal Professional

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Job Title: Research Services Wet Laboratory Principal Professional

Position #: – Requisition #:37948

Job Summary:

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine seeks an outstanding candidate for a Research Services Wet Laboratory Principal Professional position. Applicants with a background in molecular biological laboratory procedures and related areas are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will join an established team that is leading research efforts in the intersection between brain health and biological processes. The team is one of the premier organizations that has existing clinical and preclinical studies and will continue with future studies that improve psychological health outcomes, detects risk and protective factors in mental health, and determines biological mechanisms associated with brain health. This highly collaborative team performs high-impact studies that allow them to develop new strategies to ameliorate dysbiosis and neuroinflammation and reduce chronic disease burden. 

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Sciences (60%25):

• Work together with others in the lab and independently to design and perform experiments for projects in the lab

• Assist and train junior team members

• Acquire and analyze experimental data and then provide context for results based on other procedures or previous research results

• Independently perform study related laboratory processes, procedures, and assessments as defined in study protocol and in compliance with regulating bodies

• Document and contribute to the presentation and publication of experimental findings.

• Collects, accurately records, and analyzes data in conjunction with other research staff

• Perform ELISA assays and analyze results

• Perform PCR/qPCR runs and analyze results

• Perform DNA and RNA extractions

• Perform microscopic analyses

• Order reagents and materials and oversee inventory tracking system

• Recommend new equipment and processes for the laboratory and develop operating procedures and quality control measures

Regulatory (25%25):

• Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner

• Assists with regulatory compliance documents for clinical studies

• Performs yearly audits of sample inventory and matching datasets

• Follow rules and regulations from University, State, and Federal to ensure the laboratory compliance

Additional Duties & Responsibilities (15%25):

• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas as well as disposing of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines.

• Oversee and provide informal leadership to the team members, including managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating and redistributing workloads on a temporary basis, and mentoring staff.

• Provide input and feedback to leadership on team members' overall performance, performance evaluations, opportunities for development, and process improvement initiatives

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado (CU) is one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions and is ideally suited to carry out this project. Built as state-of-the-art, the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) consists of three zones: an education zone with facilities for training in the medical and health-related fields, a research zone that houses the various graduate programs, and a clinical care zone with the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) and the Children's Hospital, the CU AMC's primary adult and pediatric hospital partners, nearby. The university is considered by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to have "very high research activity" with a basic classification of Research Universities. UCH, a teaching hospital affiliated with the CU Denver, has a $644 million, 820,000-square-foot facility at the AMC. The Children's Hospital, with 1,400,000 square feet, opened in 2007 to the south of the campus.  CU is one of 34 public universities to be a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The CU AMC campus is located adjacent to the newly constructed Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

The Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) programs span the range of services with the latest advances in rehabilitation care for children and adults with complex medical needs. Subspecialties, related programs and affiliates together embody one of the most skilled (and recognized) groups of rehabilitation experts in the nation. The PM&R department has 15 offices with ~2500 square feet of space and 5 cubicles with ~400 square feet of space for faculty and research staff. PM&R has 11 full-time administrative staff, responsible for department coordination, grants and contract management, and technology management.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit:

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your 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: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire

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

• Three (3) years of professional level wet lab/research experience

  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

• Expert level experience in working with clinical samples

• Advanced experience in analyzing biological results and developing visual representations of the data

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems

• Expert level knowledge of DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and ELISA process, function and/or technology

• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

• Outstanding customer service skills

• Proficient knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology

• Proficient ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

Regulatory Compliance

• Advanced understanding and adherence to SOPs, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IRB, VA, and FDA regulations

• Proven experience in ensuring all regulatory procedures are completed accurately and on time

• Precise attention to detail to maintain compliance with all regulatory standards

Project Management

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple individual projects concurrently while maintaining regulatory compliance

• Advanced skills in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet project milestones and goals

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Expertise in maintaining accurate and comprehensive documentation for all studies

• Precise attention to detail in record-keeping to ensure compliance with regulatory standards

• Advanced skills in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• All applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored Work Visa assistance.

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: Angel Garcia, MBA,

Screening of Applications Begins:

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $62,606 – $79,635.

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 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 ​

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado 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.

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, respectively. 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.