Laboratory Sciences Professional

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Sciences Professional to join our team in fundamental and translational pediatric-focused research. This individual will have a central role in executing a broad range of experiments aimed at uncovering molecular changes underlying pediatric heart failure and post-transplant physiology. Our projects utilize human biospecimens from the IRB-approved Pediatric Cardiac Tissue and Blood Biorepository and will include cutting-edge stem cell technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patient biospecimens for downstream molecular and immunologic analyses

• Generate patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiate/mature into cardiomyocytes

• Perform cardiomyocyte contractility assays and functional phenotyping

• Collaborate with clinical and research team members

• Contribute to data interpretation, and preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Children's Hospital Colorado Heart Institute is ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, placing our researchers within one of the most distinguished pediatric cardiovascular programs in the country. The extraordinary clinical reach, spanning seven states across the Mountain West and Great Plains, generates one of the largest patient volumes in pediatric heart failure care in the country. Accordingly, the Nakano lab actively maintains the CU Anschutz Pediatric Cardiac Tissue and Blood Biorepository, the largest pediatric cardiac biobank in the country. The combination of exceptional clinical care and unparalleled biospecimen access creates a singular environment for impactful translational research.

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: 15/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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Intermediate level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

  • An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

• One (1) year professional level research experience

Senior level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

  • An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

• Two (2) years 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

• Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

• Training in molecular techniques with a good theoretical understanding and experience in interpretation of results

• Ability to work in the laboratory on weekends, as dictated by experiment schedule

• Microscopy experience

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including RT-qPCR, Western blotting, etc.

• Flow cytometry experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in problem solving

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other members of a research team

• Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• Motivated, strong work ethic, attention to detail, interest in learning new skills and scientific discovery

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks

• Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen through Children's Hospital Colorado

*For questions regarding Children's Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children's Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children's Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

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: Stephanie Nakano, MD (stephanie.nakano@cuanschutz.edu)

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by June 12, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established as:

• Intermediate level: $52,030-$66,182

• Senior level: $56,249-$71,548

The above 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination 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, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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.