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 our studies of mRNA translation and RNA surveillance in the context of pancreatic beta cell autoimmunity and failure in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our laboratory studies fundamental processes related to how mRNA translation fidelity is modulated by nutrient and stress environment surrounding pancreatic beta cells.

We employ a variety of techniques including 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 general studies in the laboratory using routine assays in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology.

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

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

• 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)
• Differentiate 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

• 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.

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC) provides a rich and collaborative training environment that integrates basic science research on pancreatic and immune dysfunction with clinical investigation of novel therapies for people with diabetes. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG), where Dr. Cheruiyot Harvey is a faculty member, offers outstanding expertise in RNA biology and mRNA translation.

Our research on how the pancreatic beta-cell environment influences autoimmunity and cell function will interface broadly with programs across both the BDC and BMG. This setting offers trainees exposure to all levels of diabetes research-from fundamental mechanisms to translational and clinical studies. Our work aims to advance understanding of gene expression control and identify mechanistic targets with potential for clinical application to improve outcomes for people with diabetes.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, provides access to world-class laboratories and state-of-the-art core facilities. Professional research assistants in the laboratory will gain strong technical expertise and develop skills that support a wide range of long-term career goals

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
• V…