Professional Research Assistant

Close All Job Summary Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Professional Research Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to assist with the start-up of a cellular neuroscience laboratory and have an important impact on its long-term direction and culture. The laboratory studies how neurons establish and maintain their polarity, with the goal of identifying novel molecules and pathways that play a role in neurological disorders. This position involves reporting to and working directly with the lab head to set up key lab infrastructure related to C. elegans roundworms, including molecular biology assays, worm husbandry, imaging, and worm transgenics. Over time the role will expand to assisting with experiments aimed at understanding the pathways underlying neuronal polarity and may also present opportunities for independent research projects. This position will also include career development opportunities in written and oral presentation if desired. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are Eichel lab in MCD Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. More information about the lab can be found at: . What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Responsible for basic lab maintenance duties including: purchasing supplies, maintaining inventories, preparing common reagents, communicating with vendors, and keeping common lab spaces neat and organized. Oversee the laboratory to ensure safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials. Perform basic molecular biology procedures including PCR, DNA electrophoresis, generation of plasmids (cloning and mini-prepping). Prepare agar plates and media for worm rearing. Perform worm crosses and PCR genotyping. Freeze and thaw worm strains and maintain a database of frozen strains. Create transgenic worm strains by microinjection. Data collection through performing imaging experiments using a confocal microscope and/or image processing/analysis. Other duties as assigned. What You Should Know A minimum two-year commitment is required due to a substantial training effort associated with the position. What We Can Offer The salary range for this position is $36,000 - $40,000 annually. Benefits The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder. Be Statements Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder. What We Require Bachelor's Degree in related scientific field (life sciences). What You Will Need Some bench lab experience is required. This position is best suited for ambitious, enthusiastic recent college graduates with an interest in future graduate or medical studies who are motivated to answer scientific questions. High level of organizational skills. Attention to detail. Ability to handle multiple ongoing projects and enjoy working as part of a team. What We Would Like You to Have Experience with molecular biology, genetics, and/or cell biology is preferred. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials: Resume or CV Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position. If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment. During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until May 2nd, 2024. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. Posting Contact Information Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources Posting Contact Email: