Laboratory Science Professional

Job Summary:

A full-time Entry Research Services Professional position is available, starting immediately, to work in the laboratory of Dr. Breck Duerkop in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. The Duerkop lab studies Gram-positive pathogenic enterococci, including Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium, and the viruses that infect these bacteria known as bacteriophages. Dr. Duerkop's group seeks to understand how bacteriophage-enterococcal interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of colonization and disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory management duties include ordering laboratory supplies, tracking of orders and expenses, maintaining inventory and research databases, overseeing hazardous waste in compliance with university policy

• Performing experiments and tabulating/analyzing research data

• Assistance of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in their projects

• Preparation of research manuscripts and conduct literature searches

• Maintenance of laboratory equipment and computers

• Maintenance of tissue culture cell lines

• Manipulate and handle bacterial pathogens (i.e. creating gene knockouts)

• Conduct microscopy, flow cytometric, PCR and NGS analysis

• Provide animal care related to research procedures

• Cloning of bacterial genes into DNA expression vectors

• Purification of expressed proteins and Western blotting

• Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects

• Trouble-shooting and problem-solving as related to the research project

• Keep a detailed laboratory notebook, accurately collecting records of experiments

• Present data during laboratory meetings

• Weekly meetings with Dr. Duerkop to discuss research progress and lab activities

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

We are a vibrant biomedical research group. Joining our group will allow the applicant to hone their technical laboratory skills and acquire advanced training in molecular biology, computational biology, and animal models.

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 microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

• Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab

• Previous laboratory experience

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and graphical data presentation

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires work with BLS2 pathogens including vancomycin resistant enterococci and experimental animal models.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Manipulate and handle bacterial pathogens (i.e. creating gene knockouts)

• Conduct microscopy, flow cytometric, PCR and NGS analysis

• Provide animal care related to research procedures

• Cloning of bacterial genes into DNA expression vectors

• Basic understanding of microbiology

• Demonstrated ability to be well organized, reliable, and possess considerable attention to detail

• Excellent ability to communicate, both in writing and orally

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: Breck Duerkop, Breck.Duerkop@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

12/13/25

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $46,274 - $58,861.

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.