Undergraduate Research Assistant

Temporary, part-time undergraduate research assistant position in the Ferguson Lab within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder, supporting an active bone research program.

About the role

The Ferguson Lab is seeking a research assistant to assist with dissecting mouse hindlimbs from a prior International Space Station spaceflight experiment, isolating bones and associated soft tissues, and performing related research tasks.

Responsibilities

• Dissect mouse hindlimbs following established protocols to isolate bones and associated soft tissues.
• Perform microCT imaging of mouse bone samples.
• Conduct biological analyses of mouse tissues.
• Manage samples, including maintaining accurate inventories and packing/shipping tissues to external collaborators.

Requirements

• Junior or senior standing in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Integrative Physiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, or a related major.
• Prior coursework or experience in anatomy, physiology, biology, or a related lab-based course.
• Prior wet lab or dissection experience (through coursework, research, or veterinary/animal care).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise, multi-step protocols.
• Comfort handling animal tissue in a laboratory setting.
• Reliability, organization, and ability to commit to a consistent weekly schedule.
• Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Proficiency in data organization using Excel or similar tools.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.

Benefits

• Not benefits-eligible.
• Eligible for paid sick leave.