Principal Laboratory Science Professional

Job Summary:

The laboratory of Dr. Olivia Rissland seeks to hire a Principal Laboratory Science Professionals to work on leading edge questions in RNA biology pursued as part of our research program outlined below. Our lab is in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and part of the RNA Bioscience Initiative at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our lab studies how co-translational processes regulate gene expression and is newly focused on leveraging these insights to create novel molecular tools.

One long-term goal of our research program is to understand the molecular mechanism of 2A peptides. These short 20-22 amino acid sequences enable a unique co-translational event – the skipping of a peptide bond – and thus the production of multiple, separate peptides from one coding region. This individual will investigate the molecular mechanism, using a suite of tools from biochemistry to cryo-electron microscopy to in-cell assays. Ideal candidates will have expertise in RNA biochemistry or structural biology, as well as familiarity with tissue culture cell work. Candidates will be expected to plan and execute independent work, assist in the writing and publication of experimental results, and contribute positively towards the atmosphere and culture of the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate how 2A peptides function.

• Develop molecular tools based on insights from 2A peptide research.

• Utilize experimental techniques, including:

• Mammalian cell culture

• RNA biochemistry

• Cryo-EM

• Nucleic acid purification and sequencing

• Computational biology

• Genome engineering

• Molecular genetics

• Gain proficiency in RNA biology, biochemistry, and structural biology throughout the course of research

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.

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:

• 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

• Four (4) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, which includes:

  • Experience in RNA biology

  • Molecular biology and biochemistry experiments

  • Cryo-EM structural experiments

  • Cell culture involving immortalized and primary mammalian cell lines

  • Nucleic acid isolation and purification

  • Generation of next-generation sequencing libraries

  • Advanced imaging techniques

  • Genome engineering using CRISPR-Cas9

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• Expert ability to analyze and solve complex problems

• 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

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Questions should be directed to: Olivia Rissland, Olivia.Rissland@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until March 28, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as $62,606 - $79,635.

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 .