Research Associate

Job Summary:

Seeking a full-time, Research Associate to join a research laboratory within the Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine. The successful candidate will contribute to collaborative projects in the Nair laboratory exploring antibacterial polymers for dental applications and design of nanogels for drug delivery. The candidate will work seamlessly across multiple labs and PIs to design independent experiments, present data and receive feedback.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead research project objectives, maintain laboratory database and experimental records, and contribute to laboratory compliance.
• Responsibilities will include independent experiments that contribute to the laboratory's goal of developing the next generation of antibacterial smart materials (For example, 1) design, formulate and synthesis nanogels that are created specifically to encapsulate a drug or small-molecule, 2) Synthesize polymers to assess their regenerative capacity in vitro and in vivo, 3) characterize the performance of antibacterial coating on dental composites in vivo and 4) run cytocompatibility tests and MIC and MBC assay on common dental pathogens suing materials developed in the lab).
• Contribute to the labs exploratory research projects in stimuli-responsive dental materials and potential patents.
• Author and / or contribute to writing peer-reviewed publications.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is nationally recognized for the quality of its educational programs, its interdisciplinary research and its excellent clinical care programs that contribute to the health and well-being of many of Colorado's most underserved citizens. We are invested in creating career pathways, learning and development opportunities, and developing people infrastructures to support the workforce.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD. in the field of pharmacological sciences with emphasis on drug delivery
• Minimum of three-years' experience post PhD in a dental materials research laboratory.
• At least two first author publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience and familiarity with polymer and nanogel formulation and synthesis
• Proven experience with in vivo and in vitro assay
• Proven experience in the development of patentable subject matters.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiar with polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Familiar with microbiology assays (in vivo and in vitro).
• Ability to contribute to grant writing and secure future funding.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work across related disciplines while communicating effectively.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.
• Exceptional attention-to-detail, organizational skills, and record-keeping abilities.
• Present and fully participate in laboratory meetings and journal clubs.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and to think on your feet.
• Supportive and conscientious work ethic.
• Ability to follow direction of the PI(s), follow laboratory and department Standard Operating Procedures and policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: devatha.nair@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until May 19, 2025. Expected start date July 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as

HIRING RANGE:

$75,000 to $78,000

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 is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

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 hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

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 .