Entry Lab Sciences Professional

Job Summary:

We seek a highly motivated, enthusiastic, curious, organized, detail-oriented, and team-oriented person to become a full-time professional research assistant (PRA) in the Santoro lab, which is part of the Section of Developmental Biology within the Department of Pediatrics. We use mice as a model to investigate how the mammalian olfactory system's cellular and molecular composition and organization change based on an individual's experience, how the cellular composition of the system is maintained throughout life, and how adaptive and regenerative processes decline with age and contribute to age-related olfactory dysfunction. Current projects in the lab focus on how the lifelong birth and survival of olfactory sensory neurons are regulated and the roles of these processes in experience-dependent adaptation and regeneration. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend approximately 3/4 of their time working as part of a team to experimentally investigate these questions and present and publish their findings, and 1/4 performing lab management tasks. Experimental approaches to be learned and performed may include mouse genotyping, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcript profiling, cell lineage tracing, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and quantitative microscopy. New experimental approaches may also be developed as part of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work together with others in the lab and independently to design and perform experiments for projects in the lab.

• Acquire and analyze experimental data.

• Document and contribute to the presentation and publication of experimental findings.

• Work with the mouse Breeder Core and other lab personnel to help manage and maintain the lab's mouse colony.

• Work with other lab personnel to order reagents, organize, initiate equipment repairs, etc.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Santoro Lab is part of the Section of Developmental Biology, an overarching goal of which is to improve human health. Specifically, the section has five main objectives:

Understand the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that guide normal development

Determine how normal developmental processes are altered to result in developmental disease and disability

Identify new diagnostic strategies and molecular and cellular therapies targeted at the treatment of childhood disease

Train the next generation of leaders in developmental and stem cell biology and pediatric disease research

Serve as a hub for basic and translational child health research that spans the Anschutz Medical Campus research community

To accomplish these objectives, the faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, and research staff who comprise the Section of Developmental Biology perform research using stem cell, organoid, and animal experimental models, including Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Within the section, investigations focus on several major tissue and organ systems such as the brain, heart, intestine, face, vascular, olfactory, and immune systems. Our work is leading to a better understanding of childhood disabilities associated with neuropsychiatric disease, Down syndrome, the congenital basis of cardiovascular and facial malformations, and the impact of maternal health on fetal development.

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: 15/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:

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

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, or a related field.

• Experience working with mice or other animals.

• GPA > 3.5

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic molecular biology skills (e.g., pipetting, PCR).

• Basic concepts of molecular biology, genetics, and chemistry.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.

• Ability to work on multiple projects/tasks in an organized manner.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite and similar software applications.

• Enthusiastic about research and discovery.

• Eager to learn new techniques and concepts.

• Willingness to work with mice.

• Ability to work in a detail-oriented manner.

• Ability to show consideration and tolerance toward others.

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 the 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: Stephen Santoro, Stephen.Santoro@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by May 20, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $47,811 to $64,067.

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 nondiscrimination 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.