Research Associate

About the Role

The Lina lab investigates innovative therapeutics, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools to understand laryngotracheal stenosis. The lab utilizes patient-derived clinical samples and in vivo surgical models to study the pathophysiology of airway stenosis and laryngeal scar, and to develop treatment models with real-world clinical applications. This position will be part of a clinically driven translational research laboratory studying injury and wound healing in the larynx and trachea and developing tissue engineering strategies to treat the disease.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine experiments in the research laboratory.
• Contribute to the general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, supplies, and animal colonies.
• Utilize in vivo animal models in experiments, adhering to experimental protocols, monitoring animal safety, and maintaining health in accordance with USDA and AALAC guidelines.
• Administer anesthesia, sacrifice, and dissect animals as required.
• Prepare tissue for study utilizing biochemical and histochemical techniques.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, analytical balance, incubator, spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, microscopy, and/or utilize laminar flow hood.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of experiments performed.
• Become familiar with the computer ordering system.
• Operate lab computers for data entry and maintain accurate data records.
• Prepare the lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well-established guidelines and instructions.
• Review and implement lab support policies, practices, and programs to meet organizational, operations, and management needs.
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with the creation and implementation of processes, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Independently review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Conduct experiments involving tissue culture propagation, PCR, immunohistochemical staining of cells and tissue.
• Manage mouse census and care for animals according to protocols.

Professional Development Opportunities

• Funding for annual attendance and presentation at a national conference.
• Mentoring opportunities with graduate students.
• Opportunities to engage with clinicians.

Work Location

• Onsite – Aurora, CO.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Advanced understanding of immunological methods.
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with experimental design.
• Basic understanding of statistical methods.
• Familiarity with techniques gained through previous training and experience.
• Experience with tissue culture propagation.
• Experience with PCR.
• Experience with small animal husbandry.
• Ability to use various computer systems and software applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• A PhD OR a graduate degree with extensive prior laboratory experience in biomedical engineering, physiology, or a related biomedical sciences field.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong expertise in immunohistochemistry, single-cell transcriptomics, airway physiology, and tissue engineering.
• Demonstrated skills in data analysis and scientific writing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task, clearly establish work priorities, and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and documents and maintain strict confidentiality in all HIPAA matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally across large, diverse academic and healthcare populations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution, working independently as well as part of a team.

Anticipated Pay Range

• HIRING RANGE: $85,000 - $110,000

Benefits

• 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 (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service