Laboratory Sciences Professional (Open Rank, Intermediate or Senior)

Job Summary:

Laboratory Sciences Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential "wet" hazards. Laboratory Sciences Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

Overview:

This laboratory focuses on immune responses to infectious agents and vaccines in individuals of different ages and immune status. The employee will be primarily involved in translational research that investigates the effects of HIV infection in pregnant and postpartum women on their infants.

Current projects ongoing in this laboratory include molecular testing of breast milk for HIV nucleic acid; dissection of human placental tissue for isolation of primary cells, cytokine assays, and preparation for spatial transcriptomics; and development of 3D models of the maternal-fetal barrier using cell lines and primary placental and fetal cells.

Essential functions include performing a variety of immunological and molecular assays, which require sterile laboratory technique and must be carried out in biosafety cabinets. Specifically, the professional will perform mammalian tissue dissection, cell culture and in vitro viral infection, ELISA and other antibody and cytokine assays; PCR and other molecular assays, immunostaining, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry.

The work will involve human specimens and require working with blood-borne pathogens.

Specimen processing must be completed in accordance with specific timelines. Accordingly, a rotating on-call schedule is required for after-hours/weekend specimen processing.

Intermediate Level Responsibilities:

• 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, tabulate, and analyze research

• Support 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 process and evaluate the 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 in researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit, and related issues

• Assist in the review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operational, and management needs

• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required

• 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 the creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives

• Assist and train junior team members

Senior Level Responsibilities (Including All Above):

• Assist with developing 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 share 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

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Essential functions include performing a variety of immunological and molecular assays, which require sterile laboratory technique and must be carried out in biosafety cabinets. Specifically, the professional will perform mammalian tissue dissection, cell culture and in vitro viral infection, ELISA and other antibody and cytokine assays; PCR and other molecular assays, immunostaining, ELISPOT, proliferation assays, and flow cytometry.

• The work will involve human specimens and require working with blood-borne pathogens.

• Specimen processing must be completed in accordance with specific timelines. Accordingly, a rotating on-call schedule is required for after-hours/weekend specimen processing.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Contribute to exciting science in the field of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; work with a dedicated and collaborative team.

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: 10/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

• One (1) year of professional-level research experience

Senior Level:

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

• Two (2) or more years of professional-level research experience

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

• Experience with sterile laboratory techniques

• Experience with flow cytometry

• Experience with PCR and other molecular techniques

Conditions of Employment:

• Must successfully pass a drug test through Children's Hospital Colorado

• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check

*For questions regarding Children's Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children's Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to the Children's Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including safety procedures

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in writing and orally

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution; ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to work independently, prioritize various research tasks, and problem-solve laboratory issues as they arise

• Excellent organizational skills; solid ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Basic understanding of biostatistics, with the ability to compile datasets, perform basic analysis, and present data

• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

How to Apply:

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

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to the listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

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

Questions should be directed to: Christiana Smith-Anderson (Christiana.smith@childrenscolorado.org)

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on January 5, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established as:

• Intermediate Level: $50,357 to $64,054

• Senior Level: $54,440 to $69,248

The above 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: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination 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 Medical Campus 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.