Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The laboratory of Dr. Jagannathan seeks to hire a Research Scientist to work on leading edge questions in RNA surveillance. Our lab is in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. We study how cells detect and degrade aberrant RNAs, and how dysregulation of this surveillance process contributes to human disease. The Research Instructor will work on exciting projects related to cellular mRNA surveillance using imaging, genome engineering, and high-throughput sequencing. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree in biological sciences or a related field. Proficiency in genomic technologies and gene editing, as well as competency in computational analyses of high-throughput sequencing data, is expected. The candidate must be self-motivated, organized, communicate effectively, and be a team player. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute independent experimental work to pursue long-term research goals
• Analyze high throughput datasets by designing and writing custom data analysis pipelines (in Python and/or R) 
• Assist in the writing and publication of experimental results
• Train and mentor junior scientists in the lab
• Applying for fellowships and grants, if eligible

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 forefront of their fields, 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:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or a closely related field
• Five years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional research experience relevant to RNA biology, gene regulation, or molecular/cellular biology
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology and/or cell biology techniques relevant to RNA research
• Experience generating and/or working with high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., RNA-seq or related genomic datasets)
• Experience with computational or bioinformatic analysis of biological data using Python and/or R, or similar programming languages

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience focused on RNA surveillance, RNA decay, or RNA quality control pathways
• Experience with genome engineering techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas-based approaches)
• Experience with cellular imaging techniques
• Advanced experience designing and implementing custom data analysis pipelines for high-throughput sequencing data
• Prior experience mentoring or training junior researchers (students, technicians, or trainees)
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as peer-reviewed publications
• Experience applying for fellowships or research funding, or demonstrated interest in doing so

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, with relevance to RNA biology and gene regulation
• Proficiency in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation in a biomedical research setting
• Experience with computational analysis of high-throughput data, including scripting and pipeline development in Python and/or R
• Ability to analyze complex datasets, draw clear conclusions, and apply best practices for reproducible research
• Demonstrated skill in scientific communication, including manuscript preparation and data visualization
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet research deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior scientists
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive research environment

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.    Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

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

Questions should be directed to: Anthony Davis, Anthony.j.davis@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until January 20, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$80,000 

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 not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

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: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (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@ucdenver.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 .