Laboratory Sciences Professional

Job Summary:

The Caino lab in the Department of Pharmacology has an opening for a full-time entry-level Research Services Laboratory Sciences Professional to join our team researching the impact of organelle dynamics and cell signaling in cancer progression. The goal of this research is to understand how mitochondria participate in cellular signaling pathways that are exploited in metastatic cancers, with the long term goal of identifying novel anti-metastatic therapeutic targets.

Research will involve biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular biology experimental procedures, high-throughput loss-of-function screenings and work with animal models of cancer and metastatic dissemination. For additional information about the laboratory or to see recent publications, visit https://www.cainolab.org.

The Research Sciences Professional will be expected to execute independent research, assist in the writing and publication of experimental results, assist the PI with managing the laboratory, and contribute positively towards the atmosphere and culture of the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize tissue culture and cell biology techniques, including cellular survival and proliferation assays, mitochondrial function and dynamics assays, gene knockdown methods (CRISPR, shRNA), and cellular behavior assays (migration and invasion); molecular approaches will include gene expression by quantitative-PCR and protein assays such as Western blots and immunoprecipitation.
• Use small animal models of prostate and breast cancer. Work with mice (breeding, injection of tumor cells, survival surgery, drug delivery, imaging and necropsy) will be performed.
• Play a role in training undergraduate and graduate students and other research assistants in the laboratory.
• Assist the PI with managing the laboratory, including scheduling and organization of lab meetings, ordering, budgeting, waste and chemical management.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Pharmacology is a collegial and collaborative interdisciplinary scientific group, with strengths in cancer research, structural biology, epigenetics, neuroscience, cellular optogenetics, and systems biology. Our faculty currently have strengths in gene expression, modeling, and in vivo models to study mitochondrial dynamics, cellular stress response pathways, mechanisms of modeling, and in vivo models to study mitochondrial dynamics, cellular stress response pathways, mechanisms of genomic alteration, novel treatments, disease development, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, phenotypic plasticity, and chemoresistance in cancer. The Department of Pharmacology is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion both within the department and the university. We encourage applications from all individuals who would thrive in a collaborative and collegial scientific environment. The department offers outstanding resources to support new faculty and trainees, including significant interactions with the NCI-designated University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for Health AI, supporting a strong collegial cancer research environment on campus. In the Caino lab, we are a diverse group of scientists that want to learn more about the role of mitochondria in cancer. In addition to bench research, we participate in weekly lab meetings, one-on-one meetings and department seminars. Our lab philosophy is to maximize each other's career growth while being sensitive to our cultural and personal identities. We aim to foster curiosity, independence and interpersonal skills so you achieve your career goals, and we will provide you with professional and career development opportunities to match your own goals and interests. Learn more: https://www.cainolab.org/

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.

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, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology, Western Blot, Immunoprecipiation, qPCR, mutagenesis, cell culture of mammalian cells
• 6 months to 1-year professional level research experience (e.g. completion of a research project part time during the academic year, a summer undergraduate research experience, or full time research as part of a thesis).
• Experience in microscopy (epifluorescence and confocal) highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• 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

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

Questions should be directed to: Jennifer Orsund, jennifer.orsund@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until August 30, 2024, or until the position is filled.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $45,000 - $47,000.

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 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 hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.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.