Laboratory Research Professional, Open Rank (Intermediate-Principal)

Job Summary:

The Burger laboratory in the Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research, within the Department of Orthopedics, is seeking to fill the position of a Research Lead for research relating to vertebrate notochord and intervertebral disc development and disease. In the Burger lab, we are interested in early vertebrate development of the axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice as models, as well as associated structural birth defects, such as spina bifida, or defects affecting the heart/blood/bone/kidney. We are further interested in how the axial mesoderm develops into the intervertebral discs, and associated underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as intervertebral disc disease, such as IVD degeneration. This position is expected to be the research lead for several ongoing projects, including design of experimental setup, data generation, and data interpretation.

All Levels

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions

• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects

• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions

• Independently Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects

• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives

• Assist and train junior team members.

Senior Level: All Duties listed above plus the following:

• Assist with developing or develop protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains subject level documentation and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies

• Assist with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and shares results with leadership

• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators, researchers and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines

• Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders

Principal Level: All Duties listed above plus the following:

• Oversee and provide informal leadership to the team members including managing day-to-day priorities, evaluating and redistributing workloads on a temporary basis, and mentoring staff

• Provide input and feedback to leadership on team members overall performance, performance evaluations, opportunities for development, and process improvement initiatives

• Identify training and development opportunities for new and existing team members

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert and authority in the area(s) of zebrafish laboratory work and development of the spine.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

Wet lab key responsibilities:

• Conducting molecular biology experiments, such as, but not limited to: PCR, gateway cloning, restriction digest and T4 ligation, Sanger sequencing of plasmid vectors, RNA work, e.g. CRISPR guide RNA generation, mRNA generation, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, Western blotting, RNA and genomic DNA collection from mouse for RNAseq and ATACseq experiments

• Work with different mouse mutant and transgenic strains, such as mouse husbandry/breeding, genotyping, dissection for tissue collection, e.g. spine, long bones, etc.

• Mouse skeletal and non-skeletal tissue harvest for histological analysis, including embedding, sectioning and imaging, and for RNA and genomic DNA preparation

Administrative responsibilities:

• Ordering consumables and materials, etc.

• Maintaining laboratory area and equipment in working and clean condition

• Contributing to animal protocol writing

• Handling EHS requirements

• Overseeing training from junior lab members

• Managing internal and external collaborations with key stake holders

• Presentation of research findings, e.g. at department internal meetings, national and international scientific meetings

• Additional responsibilities related to position as assigned by PI

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado, Department of Orthopedics is a recognized global leader in the field and Colorado's most trusted orthopedic group for adults and children. Our unique position at the forefront of medical science, education, and practice innovation translates in real-time to the most advanced patient care, unmatched in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. From routine cases to the most complex, we treat every orthopedic condition including injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles across many orthopedic specialties.

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: 15/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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Intermediate level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics 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 professional level wet lab research experience, including mouse work

Senior level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics 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 professional level wet lab research experience, including mouse work

Principal level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics 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 wet lab research experience, including mouse work

Preferred Qualifications

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

• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, including mouse work

• Prior experience with molecular biology methods including, but not limited to PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, RNA in situ hybridization, etc.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems

• 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

• Outstanding customer service skills

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

• {SME} Expert level knowledge of zebrafish work and development of the spine.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

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

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume

2. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Alexa Burger, ALEXA.BURGER@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until August 31, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

• Intermediate: $52,030-$69,720

• Senior: $56,249-$75,373

• Principal: $64,686-$86,679

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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.

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 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.