Laboratory Science Professional

A full-time Entry Research Services Professional position is available, starting immediately, to work in the laboratory of Dr. Breck Duerkop in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. The Duerkop lab studies Gram-positive pathogenic enterococci, including Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium, and the viruses that infect these bacteria known as bacteriophages. Dr. Duerkop’s group seeks to understand how bacteriophage-enterococcal interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of colonization and disease.

• Laboratory management duties include ordering laboratory supplies, tracking of orders and expenses, maintaining inventory and research databases, overseeing hazardous waste in compliance with university policy
• Performing experiments and tabulating/analyzing research data
• Assistance of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in their projects
• Preparation of research manuscripts and conduct literature searches
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment and computers
• Maintenance of tissue culture cell lines
• Manipulate and handle bacterial pathogens (i.e. creating gene knockouts)
• Conduct microscopy, flow cytometric, PCR and NGS analysis
• Provide animal care related to research procedures
• Cloning of bacterial genes into DNA expression vectors
• Purification of expressed proteins and Western blotting
• Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Trouble-shooting and problem-solving as related to the research project
• Keep a detailed laboratory notebook, accurately collecting records of experiments
• Present data during laboratory meetings
• Weekly meetings with Dr. Duerkop to discuss research progress and lab activities

We are a vibrant biomedical research group. Joining our group will allow the applicant to hone their technical laboratory skills and acquire advanced training in molecular biology, computational biology, and animal models.

• 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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab
• Previous laboratory experience
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and graphical data presentation

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires work with BLS2 pathogens including vancomycin resistant enterococci and experimental animal models.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Manipulate and handle bacterial pathogens (i.e. creating gene knockouts)

• Conduct microscopy, flow cytometric, PCR and NGS analysis

• Provide animal care related to research procedures

• Cloning of bacterial genes into DNA expression vectors

• Basic understanding of microbiology

• Demonstrated ability to be well organized, reliable, and possess considerable attention to detail

• Excellent ability to communicate, both in writing and orally

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

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

• Curriculum vitae / Resume

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

Questions should be directed to: Breck Duerkop, Breck.Duerkop@cuanschutz.edu

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $46,274 – $58,861.

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.