Professional Research Assistant

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Professional Research Assistant

Working Title: Professional Research Assistant

FTE: Part time .325 (32%) FTE | In-Person Modality

Salary Range: $10,000-$14,000 per year

Position #00050003- Requisition #36504

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The Department of Chemistry is seeking applicants for a part-time Professional Research Assistant position. The purpose for the position is to assist a laboratory in the Department of Chemistry to reach project goals.

Applicants must have experience in organic synthesis, particularly in synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides is necessary. This includes proficiency in NMR, IR, UV-vis, and MS. The applicant should also have experience in synthesizing and handling of oligonucleotides of DNA and RNA, i.e., purification, chemical synthesis, and characterization.

This part-time, Professional Research Assistant position will be responsible for general laboratory duties and maintenance, assisting to reach laboratory and grant goals, training and overseeing group members, and writing/updating protocols for documenting techniques.

Professional Research Assistant

What you will do:

University of Colorado Denver is home to a diverse array of impactful chemical research. Specifically, the Professional Research Assistant will be working in a highly interdisciplinary field that focuses on RNA structure and function (from a chemistry perspective).

Key Responsibilities:

• Chemical synthesis, mainly in nucleic acid chemistry (75% of time)
• Characterization of nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides. (5% time)
• Purification of oligonucleotides of RNA and DNA (5% time)
• Maintenance duties that include, but are not limited to, maintaining a clean environment, troubleshooting of instrumentation, training/supervising other group members, (10% time)
• The Professional Research Assistant will supervise undergraduate student workers. (5% time)

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• BS degree in chemistry or related fields required
• 1.5 years of experience in organic synthesis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong and clear communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and self-directed.
• Highly organized and reliable.
• Ability to work autonomously for the majority of projects.
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry of nucleic acids.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative environment and self-driven.
• A positive, helpful, and mature personality is key to be successful in this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position requires an onsite presence on campus 5 days a week.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• The position requires handling of reagents and chemicals that are hazardous, flammable, and/or toxic.

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $10,000 - 14,000 per year.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

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 is eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Application Deadline

• Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by April 14, 2025, at 11:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• List of three professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to Marino Resendiz, marino.resendiz@ucdenver.edu.

Non-Discrimination 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 workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications inclusive of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.