Entry Research Services Professional

Job Details

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Craniofacial Biology

Job Title: Entry Research Services Professional

Position #: 00807077 – Requisition #:39821

Job Summary:

The School of Dental Medicine is seeking a full-time entry level Research Services Professional to join a research laboratory within the Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences. The successful candidate will be key contributor to supporting projects developing new dental materials and prosthetics with unique antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics that are expected to directly improve oral health. The multi-disciplinary research team consists of both basic science and clinical faculty poised to take advantage of novel technologies being developed at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

This position will involve synthesis of monomers and polymers, analytical characterization of those materials and the formulation, polymerization and detailed evaluation of the polymeric materials developed in the lab. The laboratory-based research work includes assisting with the development and evaluation of robust, high-performance photocurable polymeric materials for a variety of applications including as biomaterials and 3D printing compositions. The position will also involve making bacterial culture media, culturing bacteria and quantifying bacteria.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas.
• Perform formulation and well-controlled photopolymerization studies involving physically reinforced covalent network polymers with testing.
• Comparisons between bulk photo-molded and 3D printed formulations along with determination of material-specific post-curing protocols.
• Creation and sterilization of bacterial culture media.
• Culturing BSL2 organisms in sterile media and quantifying their growth.
• Assist in the preparation of reports and presentations based on the laboratory research work.
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects and prepare common solutions and stocks.
• Perform experiments and tabulate and analyze research, including viscosity measurement, real-time conversion kinetic determination and a wide range mechanical property characterization.
• Support laboratory research including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results in weekly lab meetings

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is nationally recognized for the quality of its educational programs, its interdisciplinary research and its excellent clinical care programs that contribute to the health and well-being of many of Colorado's most underserved citizens. We are invested in creating career pathways, learning and development opportunities, and developing people infrastructures to support the workforce.

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:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, bioengineering or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
  + Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six months to one year of experience conducting organic synthesis and characterization of small molecule compounds.
• Six months to one year of experience working with polymers and application of 3D printed formulations.

Conditions of Employment:

• Work in an environment that may expose you to chemicals and liquid nitrogen.
• Frequently wash your hands, as biohazardous materials may be present.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time, frequently walk, and bend/stoop, as well as execute repetitive motions.
• Lift, push and / or pull up to 20lbs
• Work with complex and sharp laboratory equipment, and various chemical and biological solutions.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment when handling biological samples and hazardous chemicals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with research team members.
• Excellent organizational skills, record-keeping abilities and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated and able to work as part of a team within a research laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments.
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and to think on your feet.
• Supportive and conscientious work ethic.
• Ability to follow direction of senior researchers in the lab, follow laboratory and department Standard Operating Procedures and department policies.