Job Title: Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry – Principal)
Position #00823427 – Requisition #33785
Job Summary:
As a Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional in the O’Hare Lab, you will gain valuable new skills at the bench while leveraging your strong organizational skills to manage a new and growing research enterprise within the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Anschutz Medical Campus.
This position is open to all qualified and motivated individuals and may be of particular interest to those preparing to apply to medical or graduate school. The lab environment provides exposure to a broad array of concepts and techniques related to the neurobiological study of learning and memory: concepts range from molecules to brain circuits and techniques range from molecular biology to electrical engineering and computer science. Our goal is to put your existing skills to use while exposing you to new idea and techniques that benefit your career goals and the lab’s overall productivity.
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research and administrative functions.
Learn and utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects. Depending on existing expertise and personal interests, these techniques may include:
Growing and purifying plasmid DNA constructs via transformation, bacterial culture, and mini/midi-preps.
PCR, DNA digests, and gel electrophoresis.
Transcardial perfusions, block-mounted tissue sectioning, and mounting section to microscope slides.
Training mice in head-fixed, virtual reality-based navigational tasks.
Mouse stereotaxic neurosurgical procedures.
Scientific computer programming.
Maintain inventories of critical lab reagents and equipment.
Handle delivering, receiving, and retrieving frozen samples from freezers and physical inventory of frozen samples in -20 and -80C freezers.
Coordinate equipment maintenance as necessary.
Review and implement lab support policies, practices and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required.
Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions.
Assist and train junior team members.
Work Location:
Onsite – This role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado. (Remote work may be considered with the approval of department leadership.)
Why Join Us:
The O’Hare lab seeks to understand how individual neurons contribute to memory formation and storage. We pursue this goal by bridging the gap between two traditionally siloed fields of study: cellular/molecular neuroscience, which focuses on the structure and function of individual brain cells, and systems neuroscience, which focuses on brain circuits and how they cooperate to drive behavior. We believe that the real power of the brain lies at the intersection of these approaches: where multiple brain circuits, sending complementary types of information, converge on the dendrites of a single neuron. We use cutting-edge approaches to watch how neurons integrate their thousands of inputs to decide when to “fire”, and how this process changes while animals form new memories in real time.
By joining our group, you will gain exposure to many exciting and advanced approaches in neuroscience ranging from molecular biology to electrical engineering. As we are a new lab, you will also have the opportunity to witness and participate in the building of a new research lab – a highly useful experience for anyone with an interest in becoming an independent scientist in the future. Finally, Dr. O’Hare appreciates that no two lab members will have identical scientific and career goals. Drawing on strong experience mentoring scientists from diverse backgrounds and career stages, Dr. O’Hare’s mentorship style is tailored to individuals with the goal of providing equitable opportunities for all lab members to achieve their own goals.
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.
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, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Entry Level:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering, physics, computer science, 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.
Intermediate Level:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering, physics, computer science, 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 of professional level research experience.
Senior Level:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering, physics, computer science, 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 of professional level research experience.
Principal Level:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering, physics, computer science, 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 or Doctoral degree in biology, neuroscience, engineering, physics, computer science, or related field.
Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to organize diverse administrative and research tasks to reliably meet deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
Curriculum vitae / Resume.
Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by June 15th, 2024.Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:
Entry Level: $45,000 - $57,240
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 [email protected] .
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.