Intermediate Level Research Services Professional

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department:
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Job Title:
Intermediate Level Research Services Professional

Position #:  – Requisition #: 39576

The Cheruiyot Harvey Lab at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is recruiting a professional research assistant to support studies of mRNA translation and RNA surveillance in the context of pancreatic beta cell autoimmunity and failure in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how mRNA translation fidelity is modulated by the nutrient and stress environment surrounding pancreatic beta cells.

Techniques used include ribosome profiling, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9 screening, and physiology using both animal models of diabetes as well as cell culture models, including primary culture of rodent and human pancreatic tissue, rodent and human beta cell lines, and stem‑cell derived beta cells. Under general supervision, the incumbent will assist in general studies in the laboratory using routine assays in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology.

They will also be involved in general laboratory maintenance, including ordering/restocking, equipment maintenance, and overseeing laboratory safety.

Animal Work (20%)

• Tagging and genotyping of mice
• Assist with metabolic studies in mice
• Dissect and process mouse tissues for immunohistochemical analysis

Routine and Advanced Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, and Cell Biology Techniques (60%)

• Standard bench work (e.g., ELISA, PCR and RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification, protein extraction and western blotting, tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy)
• Culture cell lines and primary tissue (islets)
• Differentiated human embryonic stem cells to islet cells
• Optimize and establish advanced molecular biology techniques including analysis of gene expression (single cell sequencing and ribosome profiling), RNA decay, and mRNA translation
• Bioinformatics analysis of available single-cell and proteomics datasets

General Lab Duties (20%)

• Take inventory of laboratory supplies and order new supplies as necessary
• Equipment setup, maintenance, and repair
• Manage chemical inventories and arrange pickup of chemical waste
• Act as laboratory safety coordinator
• Assist and train junior team members

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

• 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, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• 1 year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• 2 years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory
• Prior experience working with animal models such as mice, including
• Experience in husbandry, including breeding, identification, and genotyping
• Knowledge of mammalian anatomy
• Experience with surgical procedures including collecting tissue samples
• Experience with immunohistochemical techniques
• Experience with confocal microscopy and image acquisition
• Experience performing standard and routine laboratory techniques such as, but not limited to, biochemical assays, tissue culture, ELISA, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, PCR, protein extraction and western blotting

• Proficient 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
• Demon…