Research Assistant / Research Technician
Professional Research Assistant – Cardiac Immunology and Regnerative Medicine Full-time
The Vagnozzi lab in the Division of Cardiology and the Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation at the University of Colorado Anschutz is seeking a Professional Research Assistant who is highly motivated and eager to learn, conduct research, and work as a team with other laboratory staff.
Our lab studies the cellular mechanisms of injury and stress responses in the heart. We are particularly interested in the innate immune system and how inflammation impacts wound healing, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling in beneficial as well as adverse ways. We use the mouse as our primary model, which allows us to interrogate gene functions and signaling pathways, perform genetic lineage tracing, and mimic complex cardiovascular pathologies in a mammalian system. Our goal is to understand the regulatory mechanisms of cardiac wound healing and discover novel approaches to repair or even rejuvenate the damaged heart. Our approach, first and foremost, is driven by a shared lab culture of teamwork, discovery, and high-quality science.
This position will focus on studies of cardiac pathology and physiology in mice, including animal husbandry and mouse colony management responsibilities. Candidates must have prior experience working with rodents in a research setting. The ideal candidate should show evidence of interest in using mouse models, including transgenesis and genetic lineage tracing, to study fundamental interactions between immune cells, fibroblasts, and other cell types in the heart. Ideal candidates should also be eager to test and troubleshoot new experimental approaches.
Examples of Work Performed:
- Mouse colony management, including animal husbandry, genotyping (PCR), weaning, breeding of complex transgenic lines.
- Small animal ultrasound (echocardiography), tail vein and intraperitoneal injections, other animal procedures.
Opportunities and Training:
- Opportunity to develop training in techniques related to cardiac biology, immunology and molecular biology including biochemical analysis, quantitative PCR, cell culture, flow cytometry, western blot, cloning, mouse handling and dissection.
- Will work on an American Heart Association-funded project studying mechanisms of cardiac inflammation and repair/regeneration following myocardial infarction.
- Will develop proficiency in collecting, recording, analyzing, and presenting data.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate discipline (molecular or cellular biology, molecular pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field).
- Demonstrated prior experience in mouse colony management, including animal husbandry, genotyping (PCR), weaning, or breeding of complex transgenic lines.
To apply, please submit the following at https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=20027:
1. A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
2. A current Resume/CV
3. The names, addresses, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for three professional references, either attached to your resume/CV or uploaded as a separate document