Open Rank – Professional Research Assistant, Sr. Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary:

This position’s primary purpose is to support the conduct of research for extramurally funded scientific studies.  The primary focus for this position involves supporting a variety of metabolomics, proteomics, medicinal chemistry and small molecule projects, including mass spectrometry-based assays.  Specific duties include assistance with day-to-day operations of the laboratory focusing on processing a variety of biological samples for analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting a variety of metabolomics, proteomics, medicinal chemistry and small molecule projects, including mass spectrometry-based assays


• Maintaining DEA Schedule I logs and inventories


• Developing and conducting robotic based sample preparation protocols.


• Processing tissue, cell, and biofluid samples for analysis.


• Labeling tubes, preparing reagents and solutions, updating freezer inventories


• Communicating with customers regarding status of their samples


• Updating project management workbook


• Maintaining detailed notes in OneNote


• Provides general laboratory administration, such as maintaining lab records, general lab cleanup, ordering lab supplies, completing requisition forms, processing financial transactions, and filing.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado’s Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, located at the Anschutz Medical Campus, is an internationally renowned School of Pharmacy and a top tier school (ranked #20/top 15% out of 143 pharmacy schools in the country). At the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, we are committed to excellence and innovation in professional, graduate and post-graduate education; scholarship and research; patient-centered care; public health advocacy; and societal leadership and engagement.  Together, our innovation, discoveries and engagement with our communities improves the health and well-being of society.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit\: https\://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

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, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. 

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as PRA or Sr. PRA based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Professional Research Assistant:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field


• One (1)  year of experience working in a laboratory setting 

Sr. Professional Research Assistant:

• Master’s degree biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field


• Three (3) years of experience working with mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and/or small molecules  

Preferred Qualifications: 

Professional Research Assistant:

• Two (2) years of experience working in a higher education research lab setting


• Experience managing research lab administrative operations 

Sr. Professional Research Assistant:

• Four (4) years of experience working in a higher education research lab setting


• Two (2) years of experience managing research lab administrative operations  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic Science Techniques


• Data Processing, Spreadsheet, and Word Processing Computer Skills


• JAVA


• Ability to Work Independently


• Reasoning Ability


• Mathematical Knowledge


• Planning and Organizing Skills 

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.    Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to\: Dr. Rick Reisdorph, Richard. Reisdorph@cuanschutz.edu 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until May 31, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Professional Research Assistant\: $48,410- $58,000

Sr. Professional Research Assistant\: $56,843- $68,000

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 is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

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 accommodations 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@ucdenver.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.