Research Services Professional (Open Rank: Intermediate - Senior)

Job Summary:

A Research Services Professional position is available in the laboratory of Francisco J. Asturias, in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Asturias group works on structural (cryo-EM), biochemical and mechanistic studies of macromolecular complexes involved in various essential cellular processes. The person in this position will be focused on biochemical, molecular biology, genomic, and mechanistic characterization of the transcriptional Mediator complex, with emphasis on understanding the mechanism for Mediator’s role in enabling signal-induced transcription initiation. Extension of the work to participate in cryo-EM studies is also a possibility. Applicants with background in biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, and experience in recombinant protein expression and purification would be particularly well qualified. The work will involve extensive interaction with other group members and the applicant will receive training and acquire expertise in all experimental approaches used in the Asturias lab. The position will report directly to Dr. Asturias.

The person in this position must be highly motivated and well-organized, and capable of working both independently and as a member of a research team. They will be expected to interact and collaborate with other members of the Asturias lab and with collaborators at CU Anschutz and beyond. Good troubleshooting skills and ability to interpret, organize, and communicate experimental data are a must.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct biochemical and structural studies of Mediator. This might include work on bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell culture, protein expression/purification, CRISPR/Cas9 experiments, biochemical studies, genomic studies (e.g., RNA-Seq, Chip-Seq, CUT&RUN)

• Summarize, interpret and communicate experimental results

• Presentation of research at group and local meetings

• Maintaining relationships with collaborators, including coordination of experimental work

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell’s machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Intermediate Professional:

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

• One (1) years professional level research experience

Senior Professional:

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

• Two (2) years professional level research experience

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience with techniques specifically used in the Asturias lab, as outlined in the job summary section

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient 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