Professional Research Assistant
Denver Research Institute (DRI) serves as the nonprofit research management organization affiliated with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. It is dedicated to research and its associated educational and scientific endeavors. We are looking for an individual with a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, excellent organizational skills, and ability to quickly learn techniques, keep accurate records of results, interact well with others, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Job Responsibilities: This position requires an enthusiastic individual to work with our team investigating how diabetes interferes with cellular response to metabolic stress and exercise function. The individual must have a general understanding of physiology and/or biochemistry and be experienced and comfortable with working in a laboratory on a daily basis. Under general direction, employee will work with team performing moderately complex research and experimentation following established protocols. Specific duties will include western blots, protein assays, general cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, microscopy, rat and mouse handling and solution preparation. The individual must be mature, responsible, highly organized, detail-oriented, independent, motivated, flexible, and have the ability to work well with others.
May include any and/or all of the following:
1. Sets-up and operates various scientific apparatus; sets-up and operates spectrophotometer, fraction collectors, chromatography equipment, centrifuges, incubators, homogenizers, and various microscopes.
2. Performs various clerical duties including typing, answering phones, preparing correspondence, preparing and maintaining bibliographies, and completing applications and forms.
3. Assists with research projects; performs independent research; plans, designs and implements research projects; prepares and maintains culture media, reagents, and experimental animals; grows cultures; administers injections; performs various assays; sterilizes equipment; separates and purifies various materials and substances using such techniques as chromatography and electrophoresis; performs surgery on experimental animals; orders laboratory supplies; performs library research; prepares compounds; interprets experimental test data; performs minor equipment repairs; cuts, stains and mounts specimens.
4. Performs various editorial duties; writes, reviews and edits various materials for publication; prepares publication schedules; orders books and other publications.
5. Performs supervisory and training duties involving lower level employees; attends and participates in meetings, conferences, and training groups.
6. Compiles processes and analyzes data; records research procedures and results; files and maintains records; codes data for input for electronic data processing; inputs and retrieves data using computers.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.
This is a full time position located at the Denver VAMC and Research Complex at the Anschutz medical campus and is immediately available.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and adequate research lab experience in physiology, biochemistry, and cell culture are required. Experience with rodents and or cell culture is particularly relevant.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. Denver Research Institute offers a full benefits package.
Required Application Materials:
1) A current CV/resume
2) The names, addresses, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for three professional references
3) Letters of reference (optional)
Position will be hired through Denver Research Institute, a nonprofit affiliate of the Denver VAMC based in Denver, CO. Candidate required to hold Without Compensation appointment at Denver VA which requires background check. Interested applicants please email required application materials to Jane Reusch, MD at
DenverResearchInstitute@gmail.com.