Description

University of Colorado – School of Medicine

Professional Research Assistant

 

The University of Colorado Denver l 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 Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes is searching for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Professional Research Assistant who will split time between recruiting and consenting volunteers for a major NIH funded research study, and independently performing bench laboratory research. Clinical duties include recruitment and consenting of volunteers in a surgical clinic at UCHealth, as well as scheduling volunteers for all aspects of research studies (preliminary screening, MRI, etc.). Laboratory duties include maintaining human tissue and cell cultures, lipid extraction of plasma, tissues, and cells for lipidomic analysis, and general laboratory analysis (ELISA, western blotting) in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes. The general theme for these studies is investigating how skeletal muscle lipids and adipose tissue in skeletal muscle relate to diabetes risk in vivo and in vitro.

Professional Field

The area of research is in muscle and adipose tissue metabolism as they relate to diabetes risk in human clinical studies.

Supervision Received

The ultimate supervisor for this position is Bryan Bergman, PhD.  There will also be collaborative supervision on a daily basis from members of the research group.

Supervision Exercised

The PRA will have no direct supervision responsibilities of personnel.

Examples of Work Performed

Research Study Coordinator for NIH funded clinical study:

Clinical study: Patient recruitment from individuals receiving elective operations with our collaborating surgeons, consenting, retention, scheduling. Will be a liaison between the collaborating surgeon, operating room visits, and our laboratory. Collect tissue biopsies from operating room, microdissection of muscle biopsies, perform tissue culture, and analyze tissue and media as well as cell culture experiments. Assist during research center visits, assist in muscle biopsies, communicate with surgical staff.

Lab techniques: SDS-PAGE, ELISA, western blotting, tissue culture, primary skeletal muscle cell culture, lipid extraction from cells and homogenized tissues, data analysis, including lipidomic mass spectrometric data, insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis using radioactive isotopes, muscle lipid isolation, and microdissection of tissues. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant will be extraordinarily organized, social, good with computers, very motivated, and able to work independently to accomplish research goals. Experience with clinical research a plus. Must be a both a people person as considerable time will be spent talking and interacting with clinic staff, patients and volunteers, as well as comfortable with routine laboratory skills and protocols. Clinical skills include educating volunteers about our research studies, consenting, and scheduling. Lab skills include western blotting, ELISA, cell culture sterile techniques, and lipid extractions. Experience with EPIC a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with EPIC and clinical research would be ideal.

Salary Ranges

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established t $35,600 to $76,000.  

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 represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.

 

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 checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

 

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

 

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: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

 

Diversity and Equity:

 

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance

 

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

 

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 and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

 

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in biological science, molecular biology, exercise physiology, or biochemistry.

PRA Level 1 - Bachelor's degree 

PRA Level 2 - Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or Master's degree in relevant field.

PRA Level 3 - Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or Master's degree in relevant field and 1 year of relevant experience.  

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Job Category: Faculty
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Feb 19, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing