Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Principal)

Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Principal)

Job Summary:

The Cui Lab (www.thecuilab.com) is seeking a Research Services Professional at the Entry, Intermediate, Senior, or Principal level to join our newly established research program. Our lab investigates the structural logic of mTORC1 signaling, metabolic regulation, and membrane remodeling. We use an integrative approach, combining high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemistry, and molecular biology, to understand how protein complexes and small GTPases function on the lysosomal surface.

The successful candidate will be a founding member of the lab, providing critical technical and administrative support. Primary responsibilities include performing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, maintaining mammalian cell cultures, and managing essential lab operations such as inventory, ordering, and safety compliance. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge structural biology research while helping to establish the foundational workflows of a new scientific team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experimental Execution: Conduct molecular biology workflows, including cloning, mutagenesis, and plasmid preparation. Perform protein expression and purification using insect or mammalian systems.
• Cell Culture Management: Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines, ensuring consistent quality for biochemical and structural studies.
• Structural Biology Support: Assist in the preparation of samples for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, and support the maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Lab Operations: Coordinate daily lab activities, including ordering supplies, managing chemical and biological inventories, and maintaining shared databases (e.g., plasmid and cell line registries).
• Safety & Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure the lab remains in full regulatory compliance.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the PI and postdoctoral fellows to design and optimize experimental protocols.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell's machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Entry Professional:
Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

Intermediate Professional:
Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
One (1) years professional level research experience

Senior Professional:
Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
Two (2) years professional level research experience

Principal Professional:
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
Three (3) years professional level research experience

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
• More than one year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, which includes:
  • Hands-on experience with protein purification (FPLC/AKTA) or biochemical assays.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory logistics and inventories in a startup or academic setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: [Detailed per level, omitted for brevity in extraction but can be expanded]

Anticipated Pay Range:

• Entry: $46,274 - $58,861
• Intermediate: $50,357 - $64,054
• Senior: $54,440 - $69,248
• Principal: $62,606 - $79,635

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: Zhicheng Cui, zhicheng.cui@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 15, 2026.