Lead Scientist, Organoid Initiative

Job Summary:

We are recruiting a Leading Scientist focused on automation, workflow engineering, and data integration. This individual will support the platform's clinical and translational mission by overseeing automated high throughput screening systems, mini-ring organoid assays, imaging and data acquisition workflows, and structured data handoff to analysis teams.

This role works independently and in close partnership with the CCPM Director of the Functional Personalized Medicine Initiative, platform leadership, automation engineers, and computational or bioinformatics groups. The ideal candidate brings experience with automation, plate-based assays, and technology-enabled biology to drive maturity, throughput, quality, and reproducibility across the platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Automation, Mini-Ring Assays, and Workflow Engineering

• Lead development, optimization, and execution of automated workflows including mini-ring organoid screening, liquid handling, high-content imaging, and integrated scheduling systems.

• Configure and validate automation assets (liquid handlers, incubators, imagers, tracs, scheduling software) to ensure precision, throughput, and reproducibility.

• Translate biological assay needs, including mini-ring-based workflows, into executable automation protocols with defined QC checkpoints and error handling.

• Identify bottlenecks or technical issues and implement improvements to drive operational maturity.

Assay Deployment and Data Handoff

• Define metadata standards, file structures, and transfer pipelines to ensure data flows cleanly to analytics and bioinformatics groups.

• Oversee interface between automation systems, internal tracking tools or LIMS elements, and downstream analysis workflows.

• Support reporting structures aligned with clinical translation, decision support, and research endpoints.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate instrument access and workflow timing with the scientist responsible for sample flow and personnel oversight.

• Work alongside software engineers to refine workflow orchestration, instrument integration, and file delivery standards.

• Act as point of contact for vendor interactions, onboarding of new automation assets, and technical support.

• Provide feedback to computational teams on data quality, edge cases, and instrumentation-driven variability.

Training, Documentation, and Platform Scaling

• Develop SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and runbooks for automated operations and mini-ring workflows.

• Train laboratory personnel on equipment use, automation operation, and QC procedures.

• Contribute to capability statements, grant text, platform manuscripts, and programmatic documentation for the Director of FPM.

• Evaluate new technologies and implement strategic upgrades to expand throughput or analytical depth.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Join our dynamic team at the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine (CCPM) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where we are at the forefront of integrating genetic information to enhance patient care. CCPM is committed to leveraging the unique combination of genetic information derived from its CAP/CLIA biobank lab, and comprehensive electronic health records to improve healthcare outcomes.

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 Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution

• 3-5 years of experience in molecular biology and translational research

• Experience with automated laboratory systems, plate-based assays, or high throughput screening.

• At least one year of experience with mini-ring 3D organoid platform.

• Experience with cell-based workflows, imaging, or clinical sample-derived cultures.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Exposure to interfaces with data infrastructure, analysis pipelines, or LIMS-like systems.

• Experience troubleshooting automation protocols, hardware integration, or workflow orchestration

• Prior work with patient-derived samples or translational precision medicine programs

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary setting.

• 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.

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 (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

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: Emily Casteel, emily.casteel@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Effective immediately and continues until January 19, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE $77,000 - $86,000/year FT

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.