Laboratory Research Professional

Job Summary:

The School of Dental Medicine is seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) open-rank Laboratory Science Professional to join a research laboratory within the Department of Craniofacial Biology. The successful candidate will contribute to a project exploring the effect of an antibacterial polymers within dental composites. The overarching goal of the study will be to provide therapeutic directions aimed at the prevention of dental caries. This is a term-limited position, with funding secured for two years.

This open-rank Laboratory Science Professional will perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Individuals perform laboratory duties where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed. This position is in a materials science lab that develops smart polymers specifically for drug delivery and dental applications.

This role will be responsible for assisting the Principal Investigator and the associated research team with polymer-based biomaterials projects. The primary focus on the research investigations will be on the development and evaluation of polymeric materials used in a variety of medical and dental applications. Individual will be responsible for carrying out independent research functions, keeping a detailed notebook of experiment activities, maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, reconciling monthly expenditures complying with EHS safety requirements, conducting literature research and participating in weekly scientific meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigator (PI) and research team with laboratory and research functions.

• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects.

• Perform experiments, tabulate and analyze data, and write up reports for publications.

• Support analytical testing using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preparing samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results.

• Prepare and inspect lab for daily operations including stocking materials, equipment, safety checks, cleanliness, and related areas.

• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials and other items as needed.

• Independently locate and review scientific and technical literature and share any new information at weekly lab meetings.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is nationally recognized for the quality of its educational programs, its interdisciplinary research and its excellent clinical care programs that contribute to the health and well-being of many of Colorado’s most underserved citizens. We are invested in creating career pathways, learning and development opportunities, and developing people infrastructures to support the workforce.

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: 15/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 Professional:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or chemical and biological engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

• One year of professional experience in a dental clinic or dental materials lab environment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Senior Professional:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or chemical and biological engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

• Two years of professional research experience, with a minimum of one year experience in a dental clinic or dental materials lab environment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working as a dental assistant.

• Experience working with tooth samples to create restorations, testing them in environments that resemble the oral cavity.

• Experience formulating, synthesizing and characterizing the material property evolution and reaction kinetics of nanogels and hydrogels.

• Experience identifying patentable inventions.

• Experience reviewing, interpreting, developing and implementing new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• Lift, push, and/or pull up to 20 lbs.

• Work in an environment that may expose you to fumes, chemicals, liquid nitrogen, extreme cold, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.

• Frequently wash your hands, as biohazardous materials may be present.

• Sit and stand for long periods of time, frequently walk, and bend/stoop, as well as execute repetitive motions.

• Work with complex and sharp laboratory equipment, and various chemical and biological solutions.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment when handling biological samples and hazardous chemicals.

• Work within a high-level secured facility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: