Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary:

As an important member of our research team, the Professional Research Assistant (PRA) will support the laboratory of Dr. Gina Bouchard at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. The Bouchard Lab investigates how the tumor microenvironment influences treatment response, with a particular focus on mechanisms of radioresistance in cancer. The lab integrates experimental cancer models with quantitative and spatial biology approaches to analyze complex, multidimensional datasets. The PRA will contribute to an innovative and collaborative research program at the interface of radiobiology, metabolism, cancer biology, and translational oncology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental work and data analyses in support of multiple ongoing research projects within the laboratory.

• Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator and other research team members to review scientific literature, design experiments, and develop experimental protocols.

• Assist with preparation of research materials, including drafting sections of grant proposals, maintaining accurate documentation of experimental results, and contributing to manuscript preparation (e.g., generating figures, graphs, and charts for publication).

• Generate, maintain, and experimentally manipulate human fibroblast cultures, cancer cell lines, organoids, and other relevant in vitro model systems.

• Perform histologybased experiments, including immunostaining and singlecell-resolution spatial analyses of tissue samples.

• Provide general laboratory support and administration, including maintaining lab records, performing routine laboratory maintenance, assisting with ordering supplies, and supporting equipment upkeep.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, located at the Anschutz Medical Campus, is an internationally renowned School of Pharmacy and a top tier research school ranked in the top 10 of more than 140 schools in the country for NIH research grant funding. 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.

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: 11/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:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A bachelor's degree in biology, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering or a closely related field.
• Required Experience:

o Hands on laboratory research experience, including cellular biology, immunological assays, aseptic technique, and mammalian tissue culture

o Experience working with human clinical specimens, associated metadata, and radiobiology models related to treatment resistance or metabolic changes

o Experience managing laboratory operations and datasets, including maintaining reagents/supplies and curating, expanding, and analyzing research cohorts with subgroup analyses

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree in biology, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering or a closely related field.
• Preferred Experience:

o Exposure to omics and computational analysis, including work with public datasets, clinical databases, and basic proficiency in R or Python

o Experience with glycosylation, metabolism, and treatment induced cellular changes, as well as spatial or region specific tissue analysis

o Experience with advanced model systems and histology workflows, including TMA construction, staining, and organoid generation and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of tumor biology, treatment response, and the tumor microenvironment, including work with human clinical specimens and associated metadata

• Ability to independently execute experiments while collaborating effectively within a research team

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous documentation, including maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records

• Ability to provide general laboratory support, including ordering, maintaining consumables, and ensuring overall lab organization

• Interest in contributing to scientific manuscripts, presentations, and broader research communication

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: Gina Bouchard, gina.bouchard@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until June 1, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$ 48,410 - $ 90,042

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (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@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.