Laboratory Science Professional (Entry-Intermediate Level) – Renal Disease Research

University of Colorado CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension

Official Title: Research Services Laboratory Science Professional

Working Title: Laboratory Science Professional (Entry-Intermediate Level)

Position #00803989  – Requisition #27962

* 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

Exemptions vary by campus location/department.

Campus/Unit-Specific Exemptions:

• Anschutz Campus – Accommodations are allowed for medical or religious reasons.

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 public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here .

The School of Medicine’s Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Research Services Laboratory Science Professional (Entry-Intermediate Level).

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 all levels 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. At the intermediate level , duties are less limited in scope and are performed independently with occasional guidance and direction from other professionals.

Nature of Work

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

The Weiser-Evans laboratory focuses on vascular biology, with particular emphasis on smooth muscle cell (SMC) signaling and understanding the regulation of SMC phenotypic modulation in disease. We have developed novel genetic mouse models that allow inducible smooth muscle-specific or smooth muscle-derived stem cell (AdvSca1-SM)-specific knockout or overexpression of specific genes involved in progression of vascular disease. We routinely use a SMC and AdvSca1-SM fate-mapping approach developed in our lab to track mature SMCs and AdvSca1-SM cells in the setting of disease progression even if they lose all detectable expression of traditional SMC markers. This approach facilitates molecular analyses such as scRNA-Seq, ChIP, and CyTOF mass cytometry. In vivo mouse genetic approaches are complemented by in vitro studies using cultured SMCs and AdvSca1-SM cells as well as co-culture systems that allow us to examine crosstalk between SMCs and inflammatory cells (e.g. macrophages). For more details, please visit https://weiserevanslab.org/

The candidate will participate with a team of investigators performing experiments in mice related to vascular biology and involving changes in vascular smooth muscle function and resident vascular stem cells in response to mechanical arterial injury, atherosclerosis progression (and additional animal models of disease) as well as lineage tracing studies to define the fate of vascular smooth muscle cells and stem cells under various conditions.  In addition, the candidate will be involved with studies related to lung cancer progression and metastasis using cell culture approaches and moue models of lung cancer progression. The candidate will be trained in animal surgery for these projects.   The major responsibility of the candidate will be to standardize these procedures, perform these surgeries in a reproducible way, conduct all aspects of the experimental project including tissue harvest and processing, immunofluorescence analysis, and flow cytometry, and train additional laboratory personnel.  Additional responsibilities include managing mouse colonies containing transgenic and knockout mice for these experiments.  Training will also be provided by the Animal Facility at the University of Colorado Denver.  

Examples of Duties Performed

Entry Level:

• 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
• 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
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
  • The candidate is expected to carry out all aspects of projects involving animal procedures, including surgery, tissue harvesting from these animals, and preparation for analysis, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell culture and molecular biology approaches. Microscopy skills are highly desirable.
• 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

Intermediate Level, all the above and:

• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions
• Independently review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
• Assist and train junior team members

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

Entry Level:

• 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

Intermediate Level:

• 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
• One (1) year professional level research experience

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Two or more years of prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Experience in handling mice and performing animal surgery

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient 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
• Extremely organized and motivated, and takes the initiative to make sure projects move forward
• Mouse handling skills
• Skilled in standard molecular and cellular biology techniques

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established at:

• Entry : $40,280-$51,236
• Intermediate : $43,834-$55,757

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.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.