Laboratory Sciences Professional (Intermediate - Principal Level)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, bright, and qualified candidate for a Laboratory Sciences Professional position to join Dr. Brent Palmer's laboratory in the University of Colorado, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The applicant will help to support research activities in the lab and will have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of laboratory techniques. The applicant should be able to work independently but is expected to work well with others and provide support to less experienced lab members. Ideally, the applicant will have experience with standard immunology laboratory techniques (flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-PCR) and be able to generate single-cell suspensions from various tissues and isolation of PBMC from blood. The candidate will also have strong cell culture experience, preferably with primary cells and organoids. Experience with mouse handling and dissection is also preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD or at least 6 years of experience with the relevant immunological techniques mentioned above.

The main focus of the lab is understanding host: microbe interactions in the gut and how they contributed to HIV pathogenesis and transmission. The lab uses a combination of immunologic (flow cytometry), microbiologic (16S rDNA sequencing) and molecular (transcriptome analysis) techniques to directly interrogate human specimens along with in vitro (cell culture) and animal models (gnotobiotic mice) to study the mechanism involved. The applicant should be reliable, self-motivated and have strong problem-solving skills. The lab has stable funding and is looking for a long-term employee. The applicant will enjoy working in a fun and easy-going lab with many opportunities for acquiring new skills. While we are looking for hard working individuals, work life balance is a priority in the lab. A highly competitive salary will be offered for qualified applicants and there are advancement opportunities for motivated candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and work on design and research projects focused on the role of the gut microbiome and host: microbe interactions on HIV disease progression/transmission, inflammation and metabolic disease in people living with HIV.
• Perform a wide range of complex procedures, and specific techniques may include, but are not limited to, cell isolation and cryopreservation of PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from blood and single-cell suspension from different tissue types, multiparameter flow cytometry staining assays, T cell stimulation assay, cell proliferation assay, immunophenotyping, intracellular cytokine assay, ELISA, and ELISpot.
• Perform flow cytometry panel design, assay development, validation, data analysis (FlowJo), and interpretation.
• Conduct independent research under the guidance of the PI, including planning, and conducting experiments, analyzing experimental data, preparing summary analyses for presentation and/or publication, and writing substantial portions of manuscripts including such data.
• Participate in collaborative research, including grant and manuscript writing, developing analytic plans, providing guidance to junior team members.
• Support the small flow cytometry core facility by training users to operate the flow cytometers and cell sorters and ensure that the resulting data meets all quality standards.
• Presenting data or updating projects at weekly lab meetings.
• Support and assist team members and researchers from other divisions on research projects, experimental designs, and laboratory-based methodologies.
• Assist in various other projects as needed.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

We offer a welcome and inclusive environment at a top-notch research institution. The environment fosters learning and collaboration and strong work-life balance. The laboratory is well funded and has ample high-end instrumentation such as flow cytometry cell analyzers and sorters. The laboratory is located on the 10th floor with sweeping mountain views with ample space to work.

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.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado 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, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Senior 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.
  
  
  
  
• Two (2) years professional level research experience.

Principal 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.
  
  
  
  
• Three (3) years professional level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Experience with research focusing on immune responses to microbial infections.
• Experience with research focusing on microbial immunology/host-virus interactions.
• Experience with research focusing on addressing mechanisms of viral pathogenesis.
• Experience with standard immunology laboratory techniques (flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-PCR).
• Cell culture experience, preferably with primary cells and organoids.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• 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.

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: Dr. Brent Palmer, brent.palmer@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by December 1^st, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Intermediate Level: $48,970 - $62,290

Senior Level: $52,941 - $67,341

Principal Level: $60,882 - $77,442

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.