Professional Research Assistant

Faculty Level/

Title:

Professional Research Assistant
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $46,274 to $53,861
Position #:  –
Requisition #: 39897
Location: University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is a state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Our laboratory leads innovative, translational research that advances cardiovascular therapeutics for both women and men by integrating biomaterials, nanotechnology, and cardiovascular mechanobiology. Our lab’s success depends on rigorous scientific methodology, ethical conduct, and a shared commitment to generating knowledge that meaningfully impacts the scientific community and society. As a member of the lab, you will contribute directly to this mission through designing and executing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and helping develop technologies such as engineered mechanobiology platforms, nanoparticle-based therapeutics, and engineered in vitro models.

You will ultimately design and carry‑out experiments independently.

• Nanoparticle fabrication
• Polymer synthesis and biomaterial fabrication
• Engineering in vitro models
• Heart transplant readouts including flow cytometry, histology, cytotoxicity assays, and immunofluorescence

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions
• Utilize required laboratory techniques for research projects
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research data
• Support analytical testing process: sample preparation, documentation, and result communication
• Perform pre‑analytical, analytical, and post‑analytical test processes and evaluate results
• Prepare lab for daily operations: 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, and materials as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples following established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete, and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit, and related issues
• Assist with reviewing and implementing lab support policies, practices, and programs
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance or escalation when required
• Assist with reagent inventory and ordering
• Assist with manuscript preparation, editing, and submission
• Submit research abstracts for presentation at national conferences

• Clear, concise note taking and recording of data (5%)
• Reagent preparation (5%)
• Lab meeting preparation (10%)
• Manuscript preparation (10%)
• Laboratory supply ordering and invoice tracking (10%)
• Biomechanical analysis of samples (10%)
• Histology/Immunofluorescence (15%)
• Nanoparticle fabrication
• Biomaterial synthesis and fabrication
• Electrospinning
• Ex vivo murine model work, including dissections and termination procedures (35%)
• Biomaterial synthesis
• Nanoparticle fabrication using standard laboratory practices
• Add with biomaterials and nanoparticle characterization
• Assessment of biomechanical properties of cells, tissues, and biomaterials using atomic force microscopy and other techniques
• Engineering of in vitro models (3D models, engineered heart tissues, cardiac spheroids, organoids)
• Learn downstream readouts including flow cytometry, histology preparation, and interpretation
• Be willing to learn side by side with PI as we conduct translational heart transplantation research

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
• Substitution available: a combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis

• Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in an…