Research Services Professional

Job Summary:

As an integral member of our research team, the Research Services Professional will contribute to cutting-edge research in Total Human Eye-Allotransplantation Innovation Advancement (THEIA) at the University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora, CO with the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This project aims to advance the field of whole-eye transplantation, exploring innovative surgical techniques, immune rejection mechanisms, and neuroregeneration strategies.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking hands-on laboratory experience, publication opportunities, and preparation for admission to top-tier graduate or medical programs. The Research Services Professional will be actively involved in experimental procedures, animal handling, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, gaining valuable skills in translational research.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Examples of Duties Performed:

Entry-Level:

• 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

• 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 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, operations and management needs

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

Intermediate-Level, all of the above and:

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

• Assist and train junior team members

Additional Examples of Work Performed

• Experimental Procedures & Data Analysis

• Perform benchwork techniques, including ELISA, qPCR, Western Blot (WB), and Flow Cytometry, to support various research projects.

• Conduct tissue staining, microscopy, and other histological analyses.

• Collect, enter, and analyze experimental data to generate meaningful research insights.

• Animal Handling & Surgical Procedures

• Perform rat handling, daily inspection, and pre-/post-surgery care.

• Prepare and process rat samples, including blood and tissue collection.

• Conduct ocular examinations, including:

• Flash electroretinography (fERG) and Pattern electroretinography (pERG) to assess retinal function.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for retinal imaging and structural analysis.

• Research Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research team to review literature and refine experimental protocols.

• Document lab results, assist in manuscript preparation, and create visual data representations (graphs, charts) for publication in scientific journals.

• Laboratory Management & Administration

• Maintain accurate lab records and update research protocols.

• Oversee lab inventory, ordering of supplies, and general lab maintenance.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and laboratory best practices.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

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:

Entry:

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

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

Intermediate:

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

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

• One (1) year professional level research experience.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.