Summary

Job Summary

The Mendoza lab seeks a qualified full-time Professional Research Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry to provide support of multiple zinc homeostasis projects. Individual duties will include general laboratory support and the preparation of essential reagents that will be integral to the research related to the lysosome biology of zinc homeostasis.

The Mendoza lab is interested in the mechanisms that support the response to perturbations of zinc homeostasis. Zinc is essential to all life and disruption of cellular zinc levels can lead to several serious pathologies in humans. Lysosomes are an important player in the response to zinc dyshomeostasis. Aside from their traditional roles in macromolecule degradation, lysosomes also serve as sites of zinc storage and release. To accomplish this, they change their morphology to respond to fluctuating zinc transporter levels. One of the fundamental questions we ask is, how do lysosomes alter their morphology to respond to changing zinc levels? We will pursue this question using Caenorhabditis elegans and human cell culture models. The job candidate will be involved in projects related to this important question. The Mendoza lab seeks a motivated and creative candidate to support experiments related to this project and serve as the manager of the logistical needs of the lab. We strive to maintain a collegial, supportive, and positive ecosystem in which our scientists can thrive.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Since 1986, Biochemistry at the University of Colorado at Boulder has offered a world-class interdisciplinary research environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Faculty include a Nobel Laureate, five members of the National Academy of Sciences, three Howard Hughes Investigators, and many other esteemed scientists who have established themselves as research leaders within biochemistry.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Managerial Duties (include but are not limited to):
• Establish Mendoza lab environment (ordering reagents, computer workstation set up and other logistical activities)
• Maintain lab safety compliance and prepare the lab for safety inspections
• Lab equipment maintenance
• Maintain inventory of frozen worm and cell culture stocks
• Maintain electronic inventory of lab reagents
• Research Duties:
• Worm and cell culture maintenance
• Preparation/creation of new worm strains
• Conducting experiments
• Molecular cloning for worm and or cell culture
• Prepare reagents
• Attend and present during assigned slot in group meetings
  

What You Should Know

• This is a full time research faculty appointment expected to start in January of 2025.
  
  

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for this full-time position is $55,000 - $65,000 annually.
  
  

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics.
• Previous experience working in a research laboratory.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Learn new skills and handle a diverse set of duties.
• Work in a fast-paced environment.
• Work independently and troubleshoot experiments.
• Collaborate with other Mendoza lab members, colleagues at CU Boulder, and outside institutions.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience with fluorescence microscopy
• Experience with Electron microscopy/structural biology skills
• Experience with working with the model organism. C. elegans.
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
• (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an optional attachment.
  
  

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Please apply by January 3rd, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.