Professional Research Assistant
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO, USA
USD 38,500-44k / year
Posted on Dec 17, 2025
Job Summary
A Professional Research Assistant Position is available in the Park laboratory in the MCDB Department at University of Colorado-Boulder. We study mechanisms of the proteasome, a molecular machine essential for cellular protein degradation. We recently discovered mechanisms of “novel spatial quality control” during proteasome assembly; see our recent paper by Das et al. Nature Communications, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58703-8. This new mechanism involves evolutionarily conserved chaperones, including Gankyrin, a known onco-protein in humans. A prospective Professional Research Assistant will be trained to conduct basic molecular and cell biological experiments, including yeast strain manipulation and live-cell imaging, and will be responsible for general housekeeping duties in the lab. To learn more about our research, please refer to the website (https://www.colorado.edu/mcdb/soyeon-park).
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.
Who We Are
The Park Lab in the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department at the University of Colorado Boulder
Dr. Park's laboratory studies the biogenesis of a molecular machine known as the proteasome, a major protease in eukaryotes. Her studies have changed the traditional view of the spontaneous formation of the proteasomal ATPase ring, via revealing conserved novel assembly chaperones for regulating assembly of the heterohexameric ATPase complex of the proteasome. These four chaperones (Rpn14, Nas6, Hsm3, and Nas2) principally act as negative regulators of proteasome assembly, by coupling with ATP hydrolysis. Her laboratory focuses on elucidating; (i) biological functions of active dissociation via these chaperones, (ii) mechanisms of an assembly-coupled degradation via an oncorpotein and assembly chaperone, Gankyrin in cancers, and (iii) signaling pathways for active disassembly of the proteasome via the chaperones during stress. Her work will provide major insights into the fundamental regulatory mechanisms for the proteasome and controlled protein degradation.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- A prospective Professional Research Assistant will be trained to conduct basic molecular and cell biological experiments, including yeast strain manipulation and live-cell imaging, and will be responsible for general housekeeping duties in the lab.
What We Can Offer
$38,500 - $44,000 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelors Degree in Biology or related field.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Proficiency in basic molecular biology (PCR, restriction digest, mini-prep, DNA gels).
- Experience with structural biology & basic biochemistry (protein extraction, quantification, protein gels) is a plus.
- Effective use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related softwares (e.g. Adobe Photoshop).
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter that addresses the following:
- What is your current employment (if any), and why are you looking for a new position?
- When are you available to start a new position?
- Describe your ideal work environment and the work schedule.
- Describe your experimental laboratory experience in detail.
- What are your short and long-term professional goals?
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.For full consideration, please apply by December 19th, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.