Lab Researcher - Barr Lab

About the Role

National Jewish Health is seeking a Lab Researcher to join the Barr Lab, which studies mechanisms of lung injury repair with a focus on epithelial-immune interactions. This role supports innovative research through in vivo disease modeling and primary cell culture using mouse and human tissues. Previous animal handling and/or cell culture experience is preferred.

At National Jewish Health, the nation's leading respiratory hospital, researchers have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking science that advances understanding of complex lung diseases. This is an exciting opportunity to help generate discoveries that deepen scientific knowledge and support the development of future therapeutic approaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support laboratory experiments, including animal studies, cell culture, data collection, and analysis.
• Develop and implement research techniques and procedures while ensuring quality control and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, sample tracking, and laboratory records.
• Collaborate with researchers, laboratory staff, and external partners to support scientific projects and research goals.
• Develop new techniques and investigative procedures, including scientific routines, computer programming techniques, and data reporting techniques.
• Monitor quality control of routines, experiments, general laboratory activities, and the use of research animals in the laboratory setting.
• Perform laboratory functions unique to the assigned laboratory.
• Provide general guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support, and auxiliary staff. Act as a leader for laboratory programs and staff in assigned areas.
• Demonstrate enhanced proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, programming, and mathematical ordering systems.
• Prepare statistical tabulations, using a calculator or computer.
• Oversee supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all institutional/safety training requirements.
• Maintain laboratory records, supplies, and samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).
• Act as a liaison to other department personnel, outside investigators, and vendors.
• Perform routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health.
• Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
• Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
• Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition, and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
• Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
• Professional Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.
• Drive for Excellence: Consistently meets performance expectations, ensures that accurate, objective, and timely measures of quality are made and used.
• Innovation Management: Identifies key trends, opportunities, and organizational capabilities that would bring competitive advantage to the organization. Sees trends before others and integrates concepts in a unique way.

Requirements

• Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
• Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
• Be well groomed, appropriately for your role, and wear ID Badge visibly.
• Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct, and complete NetLearning by due date annually.
• Promote a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution.
• Adhere to safe working practices and at all times follow all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. Wear appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate compliance with all state, federal, and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree required.

Work Experience: 2 years of Laboratory Experience required. A Master’s Degree and laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 2 years of work experience.

Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None

Pay

$22.76 - $30.10 per hour

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office, and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Plan.
• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.