Entry Research Services Professional

Job Summary:

The laboratory of Dr. Elizabeth J. Kovacs, within the Division of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, is seeking a full-time Entry Research Services Professional (RSP) to conduct preclinical research related to the innate immune system, specifically inflammation. The overall goal of the Kovacs laboratory is to study the effects of advanced age, alcohol intoxication and infection on inflammatory responses after injury. We encourage recent college graduates who are seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate school to apply to this position.

The laboratory is located on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. As a premier institution, CU Anschutz integrates world-class education, research, and patient care in state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct general laboratory maintenance involving ordering supplies, cataloging samples and reagents, and ensuring appropriate safety and disposal requirements are met. Under the supervision of a faculty member, Senior Research Services Professionals, or other lab members. The successful candidate will work primarily on murine models of tissue injury and infection.
• Models will involve handling and conducting experiments on mice as well as assisting with the management of breeding colonies.
• Wet lab techniques will include western blots, ELISAs, qPCR, cell culture, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence.
• Present data and maintain knowledge of current scientific literature in the field.
• 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.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

For well over two decades, the Kovacs laboratory has been studying mouse models of tissue injury and repair with a focus on the role of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators. Many of our studies include clinically relevant "second hits," such as advanced age, alcohol intoxication, or infection. For the last >20 years, we have been studying the combined effects of aging and burn injury, including lung inflammation and damage. In the last decade, we have been working on aging, alcohol intoxication and traumatic injury examining innate immunity in the context of 1) the gut-lung axis and 2) the gut-brain axis and are also interrogating the gut microbiome as the gut plays a central role in systemic responses. We have published our findings in top journals, and we present our research at national/international conferences.

We are committed to creating career pathways and learning and development opportunities. Previous lab members have gone onto matriculate in medical or graduate school, secured positions in industry and science writing.

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% 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.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado 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, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, physiology, genetics, chemistry, 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.
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with the following research techniques: Small animal (mouse) handling, protein, DNA and RNA isolation, western blots, ELISAs, quantitative PCR, cell and tissue culture, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence microscopy.
• Prior experience studying inflammation, immunology, infection, aging, or alcohol intoxication.

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 and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Excellent interpersonal and general communication skills; applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• General knowledge of Office suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic understanding of statistical analysis and programs.

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 (only use if a cover letter is necessary)
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: Natalie Deschaine Natalie.deschaine@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $45,000- $57,240

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: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

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 hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

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.