Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Burger Laboratory (PI: Alexa Burger, PhD) in the Department of Orthopedics is seeking to fill the position of a research scientist.

Why join the Burger laboratory?

• We are a cutting-edge research wet lab at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado with high-profile output.
• We have a lively lab atmosphere and high-quality trainee mentoring.
• We have numerous opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects.
• Our campus has the latest animal facilities and imaging setups for executing experiments at the highest standards.

In the Burger lab, we are interested in early vertebrate development of the axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice as models, as well as associated structural birth defects, such as spina bifida, or defects affecting the heart/blood/bone/kidney. We are further interested in how the axial mesoderm develops into the intervertebral discs, and associated underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as intervertebral disc disease, such as IVD degeneration.

The research scientist is expected to be the project lead for several ongoing research projects, including design of experimental setup, data generation, data interpretation, and manuscript writing, with a track record of publications supporting experience in these areas.

Key responsibilities:

• Conducting molecular biology experiments, such as, but not limited to: PCR, gateway cloning, restriction digest and T4 ligation, Sanger sequencing of PCR products/plasmid vectors, CRISPR guide RNA generation, Western blotting, RNA and genomic DNA collection from mouse tissue for RNAseq and ATACseq experiments, mouse tissue embedding and sectioning, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, imaging
• Mouse colony management, including breeding strategy, genotyping, experimental cohort generation, and tissue collection for molecular and histological analyses.
• Analysis and dissemination of results related to ongoing and new projects within the laboratory
  • Figure preparation, manuscript development and publication
  • Presentation of research findings at internal meetings, e.g. within the Department or University, at national and international scientific conferences or workshops, etc.
• Overseeing training and professional development of junior lab members
• Managing internal and external collaborations with key stakeholders
• Development of competitive applications for extramural grant funds
• Development of new projects related to aging, musculoskeletal biology, and chromatin regulation
• Implementation of lab initiatives/new research directions with the lab director

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research (CPMR) is situated in the Research Division of the Department of Orthopedics and including investigators across the 4 University of Colorado Campuses focused on musculoskeletal research. The position provides access to unique resources, including several core facilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure, an education program that includes a formal curriculum, a visiting scientist speaker series, an annual symposium, and a weekly grant development meeting for PIs and trainees, and formal opportunities to establish and nurture mentor-mentee relationships to support trainee career progression. The department’s overarching mission is to provide the highest quality, professional, and innovative care through the integration of comprehensive education and cutting-edge research. We place a high level of importance on achieving and maintaining a diverse environment that fosters excellence and rewarding opportunities.

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%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/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:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, or related field required, with at least one year research experience of in one or more of the following areas: intervertebral disc disease; aging; musculoskeletal biology; molecular biology.

• Experience working in pre-clinical animal models required.

• Microscopy skills required.

• A strong publication record is required, including first authorship publications from previous research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with in vivo small molecule/drug applications preferred.

• Bioinformatics and/or programming expertise in languages such as R and Python preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of common cellular and molecular mechanisms, early vertebrate development, musculoskeletal biology, skeletal physiology, genetics, associated spine and IVD diseases, e.g. structural birth defects, aging, and IVDD.

• Excellent knowledge of common molecular biology techniques.

• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.

• Computer skills in both Mac and PC environments, including use of standard programs, e.g. Word and Excel, as well as imaging programs and online interfaces.

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.

• Ability to work both in a team environment and independently.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Ability to demonstrate commitment and leadership to advance the lab’s research in the respective fields.

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.       Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Lindsey Renn, lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 21, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$75,000 - $90,000

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 is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

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: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (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@ucdenver.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.