Laboratory Sciences Professional (Entry)

Job Summary:

The Ford laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology has an opening for a full-time Research Services Professional (RSP) to work at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

The lab is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team examining the role of developmental transcription factors in metastatic progression. Cancers studied in the Ford lab include breast cancer, as well as several pediatric cancers (rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma, and Ewing Sarcoma) and involve not only the effects of the transcription factors on the tumor cells themselves, but also on the surrounding microenvironment. Additional projects include translational control of tumor cell plasticity.

This position reports directly to the PI, Heide Ford, in the Department of Pharmacology, and is responsible for lab management and organization, as well as for molecular and cell biology experimentation and experimentation in animal models. The position may also report to a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory, Sheera Rosenbaum. Projects will focus on the role of tumor heterogeneity in metastasis, the role of the immune microenvironment in tumor progression, or the multiple activities of the Eya transcriptional co-factors in various cancer types. The RSP will utilize cutting edge molecular biology techniques such as Crispr/cas9 mediated knockouts or insertions of point mutations, standard tissue culture and cell biology techniques, cellular behavior assays (proliferation, migration, invasion); and RNA-sequencing or proteomic analysis. In addition, the RSP will use small animal models of breast cancer and pediatric cancers. Work with mice and zebrafish (breeding, injection of tumor cells, survival surgery, drug delivery, imaging and necropsy) will be performed. The RSP will be trained and provided with laboratory protocols, standard procedures and functional assays required for this project.

The RSP will also play a role in managing the daily operations of the laboratory. This work will include ordering supplies, preparing stock reagents, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The RSP will be responsible for updating and maintaining laboratory databases, e.g. inventory management, maintaining mouse colonies, and assistance of safety and regulatory compliance with the PI.

In addition, the RSP will meet one on one with the PI and/or postdoc every two weeks to assess progress and discuss general lab issues, and will attend and present in regular lab meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

Lab management (25% of effort) tasks include:

• Ability to help PI manage the laboratory
• Ordering supplies and equipment for laboratory
• Communicating with Environmental Health and Safety on behalf of the laboratory
• Maintaining clean and productive work spaces
• Assist in the execution, development and troubleshooting of research projects with other lab members
• Train/assist new lab members

Experiments (75% of effort): the RSP will participate in the design, execution and analysis of experiments, as needed. In addition, the RSP will prepare and maintain laboratory notebooks (electronic) and laboratory protocols (also electronic).

Work Location:

Why Join Us:

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

This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands on experience in the study of cancer biology. The lab environment provides exposure to a wide range of topics and scientific techniques; projects in the lab incorporate biochemical analyses, molecular approaches, cell culture, and animal studies to interrogate scientific questions in breast cancer, glioblastoma, and sarcomas. We work closely with other groups on campus, meeting monthly with collaborators in the biochemistry department and monthly in a joint lab meeting that includes 7 other cancer focused labs. The campus also provides opportunities to learn about research from other institutions through regular seminars and invited speakers.

We are a closeknit group of students, postdoctoral fellows and research specialists who collaborate with one another to help drive independent research projects. We meet weekly to give feedback on each other's studies and celebrate lab successes often with good food and lab outings. We are situated just 25 minutes from the city of Denver and are fortunate to be close by to hiking and skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains!! Please join us!!

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination 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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in 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
• Experience handling small animals (mice and/or zebrafish)
• Experience with cancer research
• Experience with Office suite programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of molecular biology, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and mammalian cell culture
• Technical proficiency in molecular biology, biochemistry and mammalian cell culture
• 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
• Excellent organizational skills
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Basic statistical knowledge as applied to experimental analysis
• Ability and willingness to develop new skills

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: Jennifer Orsund, Jennifer.Orsund@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

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.