Laboratory Research Professional, Open Rank (Intermediate-Principal)

Position #00830573 – Requisition #40782

About the Role

The Burger laboratory in the Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research, within the Department of Orthopedics, is seeking a Research Lead for research on vertebrate notochord and intervertebral disc development and disease. The lab focuses on early vertebrate development of the axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice as models, as well as associated structural birth defects such as spina bifida or defects affecting the heart, blood, bone, or kidney. The role also involves studying the development of the axial mesoderm into intervertebral discs, underlying molecular mechanisms, and intervertebral disc disease, including IVD degeneration.

This position will serve as the research lead for several ongoing projects, including experimental design, data generation, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions.
• Review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Assist with creation and implementation of processes, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist and train junior team members.

Senior Level Responsibilities

• All duties listed above, plus:
• Develop protocol-specific systems and documents, including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain subject-level documentation and prepare documents, equipment, and/or supplies.
• Assist with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and share results with leadership.
• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders.

Principal Level Responsibilities

• All duties listed above, plus:
• Oversee and provide informal leadership to team members, including managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating and redistributing workloads, and mentoring staff.
• Provide input and feedback to leadership on team members' overall performance, performance evaluations, and process improvement initiatives.
• Identify training and development opportunities for new and existing team members.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert in zebrafish laboratory work and spine development.

Wet Lab Key Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular biology experiments, including but not limited to:
  • PCR, gateway cloning, restriction digest, and T4 ligation.
  • Sanger sequencing of plasmid vectors.
  • RNA work, e.g., CRISPR guide RNA generation, mRNA generation.
  • Immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, Western blotting.
  • RNA and genomic DNA collection from mouse for RNAseq and ATACseq experiments.
• Work with different mouse mutant and transgenic strains, including:
  • Mouse husbandry/breeding, genotyping, dissection for tissue collection (e.g., spine, long bones).
• Mouse skeletal and non-skeletal tissue harvest for histological analysis, including embedding, sectioning, imaging, and RNA/genomic DNA preparation.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Ordering consumables and materials.
• Maintaining laboratory area and equipment in working and clean condition.
• Contributing to animal protocol writing.
• Handling Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Overseeing training of junior lab members.
• Managing internal and external collaborations with key stakeholders.
• Presentation of research findings at department meetings and national/international scientific meetings.

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 substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
  • One (1) year of professional-level wet lab research experience, including mouse work.
• Senior Level:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field. A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
  • Two (2) years of professional-level wet lab research experience, including mouse work.
• Principal Level:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field. A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
  • Three (3) years of professional-level wet lab research experience, including mouse work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, including mouse work.
• Prior experience with molecular biology methods, including but not limited to PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, RNA in situ hybridization.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques, including safety procedures.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Expert-level knowledge of zebrafish work and spine development.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental plans (multiple options).
• Additional insurance: disability, life, vision.
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of gross pay.
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours).
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual).
  • Holiday Days: 15/year.
• Tuition Benefit: Accessible on all CU campuses.
• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is as follows:

• Intermediate: $52,030 - $69,720
• Senior: $56,249 - $75,373
• Principal: $64,686 - $86,679

This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Schedule

Full-time, onsite role located in Aurora, CO.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. The University is unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.