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.

 

Nature of Work

The Lorca lab is housed within the Division of Reproductive Sciences of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our research is aimed to understand the physiological cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy, and how impaired vascular function impacts fetal growth. Our lab has a special interest in the use of innovative approaches to develop murine models of fetal growth restriction.Professional FieldThis is a full-time basic science Professional Research Assistant (PRA) position. In addition to lab managerial tasks, the work requires knowledge of research techniques, handling of live animals, safe use of lasers, and performance of immunoassays and vascular myography, review of quality control, and assay development/troubleshooting. Data entry and analysis using Windows-based systems will be required.Supervision ReceivedThe PRA will report to the lab Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Ramón Lorca (OB/GYN). Training will be conducted by senior research assistants and the PI. The ability to function independently with oversight and advice is highly desirable. Examples of Work PerformedThe PRA will perform routine maintenance tasks, including ordering and organizing supplies and reagents, maintaining records of expenditures, and keep accounting records for the group, organizing administrative and research databases, and performing or arranging equipment maintenance. The PRA will work with human tissues and with live animals (i.e., mice). Appropriate specimen acquisition, storage, and documentation will be required. Preparation of tissue culture media and other routine laboratory reagents may be necessary. The ability to independently and correctly calculate and prepare stock concentrations and dilutions (including serial dilutions) is required. Specific technical expertise in some or all of the following will be useful: RNA, DNA, and protein extraction; PCR; protein western capillary electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry; animal husbandry, survival and non-survival animal surgery, and in vivo models; vascular myography techniques. Rodent colony maintenance and occasional late night and weekend effort will be necessary. Teaching and supervision of medical students, residents, and undergraduate/summer students is possible. Organizing and protecting a human tissue database will also be required. The successful applicant should be committed to research, eager to learn new techniques and improve their skill and knowledge base, and enthusiastic about working hard with the team to make significant discoveries. A record of successful publication is appreciated. Evidence of excellence in prior educational (eg, phi beta kappa) or research (eg, successful publication) activities is preferred.  Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe successful candidate will have experience in most or all of the techniques listed above, and possess sound abilities with Windows computer systems, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, data analysis software, and related products. Highly motivated, resourceful, driven and committed researchers with the ability to organize and work independently to move a project forward will be recruited. Assay development and troubleshooting, with superior record keeping, will be required. The successful applicant will also institute and maintain a clinical demographics database for our translational research studies. Individuals with an interest in designing and writing projects and grants within the context of the laboratory’s goals are also desired; opportunities for writing and publication, and support for advancement in biomedical research are available.

Salary Range

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $35,600 to $40,500.

 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.

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 Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree is required. BA or BS (A degree in some areas of biological sciences is preferred)
•    Relevant technical laboratory skills, including familiarity and comfort with animal work 
•    Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills 

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

 

Preferred Qualifications 
•    At least two years of relevant laboratory experience is preferred.
•    Exceptional individuals with extensive, rigorous, recent laboratory coursework may be considered.
 

Job Category: Faculty
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Apr 7, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing