Laboratory Sciences Professional

Job Summary:

The Department of Ophthalmology seeks a full-time (1.0 FTE) Entry-Level Research Services Professional. The Laboratory Science Professional will perform Stem cell and organoid culture following aseptic technique, and will be responsible for preparing media and reagents, as well as other duties within the cell culture facility; Additionally, the person hired for this position will provide support to other laboratory research activities. The successful candidate will join The Human 3D Retina Modeling Lab (3DRet Lab) under the supervision of Dr. Valeria Canto-Soler and Dr. Silvia Aparicio Domingo. This laboratory is part of CellSight, the Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, a cross-disciplinary team of investigators working in a highly collaborative environment with the common goal of developing novel stem cell-based therapeutics to treat ocular diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Culture, maintenance and expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)
• Differentiation of hiPSC into retinal organoids
• Performing quality control of cell lines and organoid cultures
• Maintaining a good record of laboratory activities and organized, backed-up data files
• Aiding the Lab manager with lab organization, maintaining inventory and ensuring regulatory
• 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 and 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 results produced
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Ophthalmology is housed in the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest eye centers in the country and serves not only patients in the Rocky Mountain region but also patients all over the world.

The technological innovations conceived and developed by departmental faculty have changed the practice of eye care throughout the world. Our educational programs train the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology. Our specialists have developed national and international reputations for excellence in routine and complex ophthalmic care. We have invested heavily in tracking our clinical outcomes and we are proud that our clinicians perform at the highest levels in their respective fields.

The mission of the Department of Ophthalmology is to be a nationally recognized department of ophthalmology by providing exemplary patient care founded on educational leadership, innovative research, and high ethical standards.

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.

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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

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

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Experience executing general laboratory maintenance tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while adhering to quality standards
• 1-2 years of professional level experience in basic research in the visual sciences
• 1-2 years of professional-level research experience in cell culture, especially in culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
• Experience in stem-cell derived 3D systems, particularly hiPSC-derived retinal organoids
• Experience in cell biology techniques, including tissue processing, immune-based assays, fluorescence standard and confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell sorting
• Experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation; cDNA synthesis; real time PCR; western blot; electrophoresis
• Track of co-authored publications in relevant fields

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology