Job Information
University of Colorado Professional Research Assistant in Aurora, Colorado
Description
University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus
SOM/Dept. of Medicine/Division of Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medicine
Professional Research Assistant
The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is a comprehensive urban research university serving more than 28,000 students in metropolitan Denver and online. We award nearly 4,000 degrees each year, including more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado public institution. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renowned researchers, we offer 119 highly rated degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is well known for its distinctive and highly productive research programs, its world-class health facilities at the Anschutz Medical Campus and its well-established partnerships in business, industry and government. These campuses currently have over $400 million in research awards each year. In addition to the wide array of health-related programs and facilities offered at our Anschutz Medical Campus, a significant number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are taught at our comprehensive campus in the heart of downtown Denver. Denver is one of America’s most vibrant urban centers and the downtown campus, located just steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts and the LoDo District, affords our students, faculty and staff access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural outlets.
Nature of Work
The Walter Lab is seeking a full-time Professional Research Assistant who will conduct molecular biology assays as part of research into the development of novel RNA-based biomarkers of treatment response in tuberculosis (TB). This individual will execute complex laboratory protocols involving RNA and cDNA as part of experiments aimed at quantifying extremely low abundance M. tuberculosis transcripts in complex sample types, including in vitro , murine, and human samples.
Summary of Lab Focus
Our focus is on the development of novel molecular measures of treatment response in TB based on M. tuberculosis RNA. TB remains the #1 cause of death from infection worldwide. There is an urgent need for new, shorter, more effective TB treatments. Our work addresses a central challenge in TB drug development and clinical trials: lack of accurate markers of treatment response that can be measured early in treatment. This is translational collaborative research in which the ultimate goal is a practical biomarker that will accelerate TB clinical trials. We use a variety of quantification methods (RT-qPCR, RNAseq, droplet digital PCR, and NanoString) to study drug impact on M. tuberculosis in in vitro , murine and human studies. Our goal is to identify patterns of pathogen RNA that are associated with specific drug exposures and with clinical outcomes such as patient relapse. This work integrates microbiologic insight into pathogen physiology with high-throughput transcriptional analysis and human clinical data. The Walter Lab is committed to the highest standards in research reproducibility and transparency.
Examples of Work Performed
Perform experiments with RNA following stringent procedures to minimize contamination and degradation
Perform reverse transcription reactions
Conduct qPCR experiments on reverse transcribed cDNA using 96-well and 384-well formats
Prepare samples for next-generation sequencing, including library preparation
Maintain detailed, organized, and accurate documentation of laboratory work performed
Carefully track samples and record up-to-date sample metadata as part of an integrated analysis dataset
Communicate effectively with fellow lab members about analysis and processing status
Work towards long-term goals of excellent research reproducibility and transparency
Participate in ensuring that the laboratory remains stocked with common laboratory supplies, equipment is properly maintained and serviced, and other general functions necessary for the operation of the laboratory are taken care of in a timely fashion.
Complete University laboratory safety training and maintain University certification to work with radioisotopes, hazardous chemicals, infectious agents, recombinant DNA molecules, and animals.
PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $35,600 to $76,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
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.
The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services .
University of Colorado Denver | 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 checks for all new employees prior to their employment.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.
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.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits .
Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation
Diversity and Equity:
Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance
Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity
The University of Colorado Denver | 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 and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
Qualifications
Qualifications
his position will be hired at the Professional Research Assistant (PRA) level
Minimum Qualifications
Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, or other closely related field
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in a molecular biology laboratory
Experience performing (RT)-qPCR experiments and analyses
Excellent organizational and documentation skills
Long-term commitment towards exceptional scientific research
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Masters degree in fields cited above is preferred. However, candidates with superb qualifications but without masters degree will be considered.
Expertise in molecular biology-based assays and procedures, including RT-qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing library preparation, and nucleic acid extraction and quantification
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to collaborate with global research partners in a diverse scientific setting
Strong, independent problem-solving ability
Ability to work independently as well as on a team
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Job: Faculty
Primary Location: Aurora
Job Category Faculty
Department U0001 -- DENVER & ANSCHUTZ MED CAMPUS
Schedule Full-time
Posting Date Feb 18, 2021
Unposting Date Ongoing
Posting Contact Name Karen Rossmassler
Posting Contact Email Karen.Rossmassler@cuanschutz.edu
Posting Number 00771155
Req ID: 18119
The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
