Job Summary: | The Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, has an opening for a full-time Laboratory Sciences Professional at the Perinatal Research Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The Perinatal Research Center conducts multidisciplinary basic and translational research in perinatal biology and medicine. The Wesolowski Laboratory investigates fetal metabolic physiology in large animal models, with a focus on liver development and function, to understand how adverse pregnancy exposures contribute to metabolic disease risk across the lifespan. This position combines meaningful project leadership responsibilities with hands-on bench and animal research. The Laboratory Sciences Professional will play a key role in the execution and coordination of a multidisciplinary research program involving large animal, molecular, and cellular biology studies. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will help coordinate multiple concurrent studies, facilitate collaboration among research partners, support laboratory operations, and contribute to the successful execution of scientific objectives in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. Key Responsibilities: Entry Level: Research Support: Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs), researchers, and laboratory staff in support of research activities. Perform routine laboratory experiments, sample processing, and analytical testing using established methods. Assist with collection, preparation, preservation, transport, storage, and tracking of research samples and materials. Maintain accurate laboratory records, logs, databases, and research documentation.
Laboratory Operations: Prepare and maintain laboratory work areas for daily operations, including stocking supplies, maintaining equipment, and supporting laboratory safety and cleanliness. Handle, transport, and properly dispose of laboratory materials, specimens, and biohazardous waste according to established guidelines. Monitor laboratory inventory and assist with ordering and organization of supplies and materials.
Data Collection: Collect, compile, and perform basic analysis of experimental data. Assist with quality control and verification of laboratory results. Prepare routine summaries, reports, and documentation of research activities.
Animal Research Support: Provide animal care and husbandry support for approved research studies as required. Assist with specimen collection, processing, and documentation associated with animal research activities.
Compliance & Administrative Support: Assist with implementation of laboratory policies, practices, and procedures. Support compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements and escalate issues as needed. Assist with identifying routine operational issues and developing recommendations for improvement.
Intermediate Level: Advanced Research Activities: Independently perform complex laboratory experiments and analytical procedures. Review, develop, validate, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques and methodologies. Troubleshoot laboratory processes, equipment, and experimental procedures to resolve technical issues.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Independently analyze, interpret, and summarize research findings. Create tables, figures, graphs, and reports for investigators, presentations, publications, and research documentation. Ensure data integrity through quality control, validation, and documentation processes.
Process Improvement: Assist team leads, supervisors, and management with development and implementation of laboratory procedures, workflows, and quality improvement initiatives. Identify laboratory operational challenges and recommend solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Training & Mentorship: Train, assist, and provide technical guidance to junior team members and laboratory personnel. Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding laboratory procedures, equipment, and research methodologies.
Specialized Research Support: Assist with animal surgeries, necropsies, tissue collection, specimen processing, and sample tracking activities as required. Coordinate research activities, schedules, and resources for assigned studies.
Senior Level: Scientific Leadership: Serve as a scientific project lead and laboratory coordinator for multiple concurrent research studies. Provide laboratory science expertise in study design, protocol development, study oversight, data management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Function as a subject matter expert and resource for investigators, researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders.
Research Program Coordination: Lead planning, execution, and coordination of research projects to ensure achievement of study objectives, timelines, and deliverables. Coordinate laboratory personnel, external collaborators, and research partners to support project implementation and communication. Monitor project progress, identify barriers, and implement corrective actions to maintain project performance.
Process & Program Development: Develop and implement protocol-specific systems, process flows, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and laboratory documentation. Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, quality, compliance, and laboratory performance. Evaluate laboratory operations and communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
Advanced Technical Responsibilities: Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex biochemical, molecular, cellular, and animal research methodologies. Oversee specialized research activities, including surgical support, necropsies, specimen collection, sample processing, laboratory assays, and data interpretation. Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and quality standards across research activities.
Strategic Data & Scholarly Support: Direct data management, analysis, interpretation, and reporting activities. Lead preparation of scientific reports, presentations, abstracts, publications, and manuscripts. Provide strategic guidance regarding study design, experimental approaches, and interpretation of research findings.
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