Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank: Entry - Principal)

Job Summary:

The Cui Lab (www.thecuilab.com) is seeking a Research Services Professional at the Entry, Intermediate, Senior, or Principal level to join our newly established research program. Our lab investigates the structural logic of mTORC1 signaling, metabolic regulation, and membrane remodeling. We use an integrative approach, combining high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biochemistry, and molecular biology, to understand how protein complexes and small GTPases function on the lysosomal surface.

The successful candidate will be a founding member of the lab, providing critical technical and administrative support. Primary responsibilities include performing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, maintaining mammalian cell cultures, and managing essential lab operations such as inventory, ordering, and safety compliance. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge structural biology research while helping to establish the foundational workflows of a new scientific team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experimental Execution: Conduct molecular biology workflows, including cloning, mutagenesis, and plasmid preparation. Perform protein expression and purification using insect or mammalian systems.

• Cell Culture Management: Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines, ensuring consistent quality for biochemical and structural studies.

• Structural Biology Support: Assist in the preparation of samples for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, and support the maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment.

• Lab Operations: Coordinate daily lab activities, including ordering supplies, managing chemical and biological inventories, and maintaining shared databases (e.g., plasmid and cell line registries).

• Safety & Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure the lab remains in full regulatory compliance.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the PI and postdoctoral fellows to design and optimize experimental protocols.

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:

Entry Professional:

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

Intermediate Professional:

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

• One (1) years professional level research experience

Senior Professional:

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

• Two (2) years professional level research experience

Principal Professional:

• 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

• More than one year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory, which includes:

  • Hands-on experience with protein purification (FPLC/AKTA) or biochemical assays.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory logistics and inventories in a startup or academic setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Entry Professional:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• 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 facility user service skills

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

Intermediate Professional:

• Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• 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 facility user service skills

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

Senior Professional:

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques

• 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 facility user service skills

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

Principal Professional:

• 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 facility user service skills

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

• Higher-level knowledge of Structural Biology, Instrumentation, and Computational Biology processes, functions and/or technology

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: Zhicheng Cui, zhicheng.cui@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 15, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

• Entry: $46,274 - $58,861

• Intermediate: $50,357 - $64,054

• Senior: $54,440 - $69,248

• Principal: $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.