Research Services Entry Professional

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – Department:
Neurosurgery

Job Title: Research Services Laboratory Entry Professional

Position #:  : – Requisition#: 39859

Job Summary:

The Janiszewska Lab is seeking a full-time Professional Research Assistant. One of the major challenges contributing to poor survival of patients with brain tumors is the intratumor heterogeneity. Cancer cells with different properties, including different sensitivity to treatment, often co-exist within a tumor, leading to relapse and disease progression. Our goal is to understand the dynamics of intratumor heterogeneity and its functional implications in disease progression in highly aggressive brain tumors.

We believe that understanding the interactions between subclonal populations of cancer cells as well as interactions between cancer cells and cells of tumor microenvironment holds a key to uncovering more effective treatments for brain tumor patients. The lab employs a variety of techniques, including confocal microscopy, spatial transcriptomics and in vitro and in vivo models to study brain tumor cell‑cell interactions and the organization of the cancer ecosystem.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research aimed at improving the dismal prognosis for brain tumor patients.

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

• 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.
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research data.
• Support the analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results.
• Perform pre‑analytical, analytical and post‑analytical test processes and evaluate results produced.
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary.
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials and other items as needed.
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well‑established guidelines and instructions.
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information.
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues.
• 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 escalated as required.

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

• 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.

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.
• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.
• 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.