Research Associate

Job Summary:

The Lina lab investigates innovative therapeutics, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools to further our understanding of laryngotracheal stenosis, a group of disorders that result in airway obstruction. We use patient-derived clinical samples and in vivo surgical models to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of airway stenosis and laryngeal scar and develop treatment models with real-world clinical applications.

General Description

Will be part of a clinically driven translational research laboratory studying injury and wound healing in the larynx and trachea and developing tissue engineering strategies to treat the disease. Under the general supervision of a faculty investigator, this position is responsible for independently performing routine experiments in the research laboratory and contributing to general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, supplies, and animal colonies. Work requires an advanced understanding of immunological methods, immunohistochemistry, experimental design, basic understanding of statistical methods, and techniques gained through previous training and experience.

Examples of Duties Performed

· Utilize in vivo animal models in experiments. Follows experimental protocols, monitors animal safety and maintains health in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines. Administrating anesthesia, sacrificing and dissecting animals as required. Prepares tissue for study utilizing biochemical and histochemical techniques.

· Operates basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, microscopy, and/or utilizes laminar flow hood.

· Will keep accurate and up-to-date records of experiments performed. Expected to become familiar with computer ordering system.

· Operates lab computers for data entry. Maintains accurate data records.

· Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas

· Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well-established guidelines and instructions

· Review and implement lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operations, and management needs

· Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives

· Independently review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects

· Experiments will involve propagation of tissue culture, PCR, immunohistochemical staining of cells and tissue, and small animal husbandry. Expected to manage mouse census and care for animals according to protocols.

Professional Development Opportunities
Training in the Lina Lab supports postdocs and PhD scientists in pursuing academic or non-academic careers. Scholars will have access to tailored professional development, including:

· Funding for annual attendance and presentation at a national conference.

· Mentoring opportunities with graduate students

· Opportunities to engage with clinicians

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $762 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

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 (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/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:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

· A PhD OR a graduate degree with extensive prior laboratory experience in biomedical engineering, physiology, or a related biomedical sciences field

Preferred Qualifications:

· Strong expertise in immunohistochemistry, single-cell transcriptomics, airway physiology, and tissue engineering

• Demonstrated skills in data analysis and scientific writing

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task, clearly establishing work priorities and handling multiple deadlines
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and documents and maintain strict confidentiality in all HIPAA matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally across large, diverse academic and healthcare populations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution, working independently as well as part of a team