Job Summary:

This position combines two primary and complementary areas of responsibility. First, the individual will serve as a key point of contact for the receipt, processing, documentation, and storage of human blood and tissue specimens obtained from clinical areas. These specimens are often unique and non-replaceable; therefore, this work requires sustained focus, meticulous attention to detail, accurate sample identification and labeling, strict adherence to established procedures, and timely resolution of any discrepancies. Second, the individual will support CAR T-cell vector development through molecular biology and vector-production activities, including plasmid DNA preparation, molecular cloning and verification of new CAR constructs, and generation of lentiviral vectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions (including clinical research associates and clinicians). Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Process peripheral blood and bone marrow to isolate mononuclear cells and serum/plasma.
• Perform plasmid DNA preparations and associated quality assessment to support ongoing molecular and cellular therapy research.
• Perform molecular cloning and verification of new CAR T-cell vector constructs using established recombinant DNA techniques.
• Generate research-grade lentiviral vectors using established laboratory procedures and maintain accurate batch and production records.
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research data.
• Support the 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 processes and evaluate results produced.
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a public education, clinical, and research facility serving 4,500 students and is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers, and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care.

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%25 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Substitution: 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 of professional-level research experience.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Two (2) years of professional-level research experience.
• Experience processing and biobanking human blood and tissue specimens, including sample aliquoting, preservation/cryopreservation, storage, and inventory management.
• Experience with plasmid DNA preparation, molecular cloning, recombinant DNA methods, and verification of cloned constructs.
• Experience with lentiviral vector production and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, biorepository databases, or other structured sample-tracking systems.

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.
• Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks.

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 of basic molecular biology and pharmacology.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate sample identity, labeling, documentation, and storage for unique and non-replaceable human specimens.
• Ability to prioritize time-sensitive clinical specimen receipt and processing while concurrently managing scheduled molecular biology and vector-production workflows.
• Knowledge of human biospecimen processing, aseptic technique, preservation/cryopreservation, biosafety, and sample inventory practices.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques relevant to CAR T-cell vector development, including plasmid preparation, molecular cloning, construct verification, and lentiviral vector production.

How to Apply:

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

• 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: Paul Lopez, paul.j.lopez@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until five (5) days after the posting date.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $52,030 to $69,720. 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.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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@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.