Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Senior)

Job Summary:

The Visual Processing Center within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics is seeking a Research Services Professional to join a team focused on understanding the functions of neurons and circuits in the visual system using experiment and theory. This position offers collaboration across three laboratories, combining retinal electrophysiology and imaging, cellular and circuit modeling, in vivo two-photon microscopy of synaptic and cellular activity, two-photon optogenetic perturbations, CRISPR/Cas9 gene manipulations, and rodent visual behaviors. In addition to understanding normal function, we are interested in degenerative neurological conditions leading to alterations in visual processing.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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
• Perform data processing and analysis
• Maintain lab operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Review and implement lab support policies, practices and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research
• Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required
• 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
• Assist with developing or develop protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) . Maintains subject level documentation and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies
• Assist with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and shares results with leadership
• Provide laboratory science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of investigators, researchers and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines
• Serve as a resource to PIs and other stakeholders

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Dr. Alon Poleg-Polsky's, Dr. Gidon Felsen's, and Dr. Benjamin Scholl's labs are part of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, which is known for its highly collaborative environment with many opportunities to interact with other sensory systems, behavior and decision making, and computational neuroscience groups.

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.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnically minoritized individuals, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Entry Level:

• Bachelor's degree in physiology, biology, molecular biology, genetics or related field

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in physiology, biology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• One (1) year professional-level research experience

Senior Level:

• Bachelor's degree in physiology, biology, molecular biology, genetics or related field
• Two (2) years of professional-level research experience

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

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Master's degree in physiology, biology, molecular biology, genetics or related field

Intermediate Level (in addition to the above):

• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Senior Level (in addition to the above):

• Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic, Proficient, or Advanced knowledge of 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 skill
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Knowledge on molecular biology
• Knowledge on basic animal anatomy and physiology.
• Electrophysiology
• Multiphoton or confocal imaging
• Histology, CLARITY, in-situ hybridization
• Programming (Matlab/IgorPro/Python), electronics fabrication

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Alon Poleg-Polsky, alon.poleg-polsky@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified.

For best consideration, apply by April 30, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as

Entry Rank: $45,000 - $57,240

Intermediate Rank: $48,970 - $62,290

Senior Rank: $52,941 - $67,341.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.