Laboratory Sciences Professional (Intermediate - Senior Level)

Job Summary:

The Jonsson lab is looking for a full-time Laboratory Sciences Professional to join the research team led by Dr. Anna Helena Jonsson, Assistant Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Jonsson lab studies the disease mechanisms that drive rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. We use mouse models as well as human immunology techniques (i.e., using cells from human blood and tissues) to model the cellular and molecular drivers of autoimmune diseases.

This position will primarily involve performing experiments to investigate the role of T cells and other immune cells in driving inflammation as well as managing our mouse colony. An experiment might involve isolating T cells from a human blood sample, co-culturing them with some form of stimulus, and then measuring the response using a variety of techniques. This position will also include working with live mice for the purpose of colony management and to perform mouse models of inflammatory arthritis. The work will be a mixture of independent work and professional, respectful, and enthusiastic interactions with researchers and sometimes patients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize a variety of laboratory experiments and tabulate and analyze the results, with techniques including:

• Flow cytometry; ELISAs, Midi/Maxi-preps, RNA extraction and qPCR; stimulation assays for cytokine secretion; and cell culture; staining tissue sections for immunofluorescence microscopy.

• Mouse manipulation including IP and IV injections and measuring mouse joints during inflammatory arthritis experiments.

• Tissue harvest (e.g., spleen, lymph nodes, joints) for histology and cellular, and molecular analyses.

• Laboratory management (inventory, ordering, purchase reconciliation, organizing, and disposal).

• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary, including Mouse colony maintenance (breeding, weaning, genotyping, recordkeeping).

• Independently and creatively identify, review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.

• Assist and train junior team members and collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Dr. Jonsson launched her lab at CU Anschutz in summer 2023 after spending eight years doing research in lab of world-renowned immunologist and arthritis biologist, Dr. Michael Brenner. During that time, she also worked with a large nationwide research consortium that applied cutting-edge technologies to human tissue samples. Her research will leverage discoveries from these high-profile research collaborations to inform her cellular and molecular immunology studies of autoimmune disease.

In addition to her links to the larger rheumatology research community, Dr. Jonsson's lab also offers the benefits of working in a smaller lab, namely more interactions with the principal investigator and abundant opportunities for growth as a scientist and researcher. Motivated candidates will have opportunities to learn and gain expertise in many different techniques. Exposure to both mouse and human immunology as well as a range of techniques and experimental approaches is valuable for candidates considering graduate school in the future.

The work will take place in a sunny space in a large open-concept lab area that houses several labs in the Division of Rheumatology. The building is surrounded by lawns, trees, and walkways in the center of the beautiful CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

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: 10/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:

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.

  • 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.

Senior Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.

  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

• Two (2) years of professional level research.

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) to three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient to advanced knowledge of 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 human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.

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. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Anna Helena Jonsson, annahelena.jonsson@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 30^th, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

• Intermediate Level: $50,357 - $64,054

• Senior Level: $54,440 - $69,248

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.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination 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.