Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO, USA

USD 37,500-45k / year

Posted on Apr 7, 2026
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Job Summary

The Eichel Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a full-time Professional Research Assistant. The laboratory studies how neurons establish and maintain their polarity, with the goal of identifying novel molecules and pathways involved in neurological disorders.

This position involves both laboratory management and experimental support with likely opportunities for a more independent research project. This position will also include career development opportunities in written and oral presentation if desired.

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

Eichel lab in MCD Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder: www.EichelLab.com
The Eichel Lab seeks to understand how neurons build their elaborate polarized architecture and how this enables nervous system function. Neurons are extremely compartmentalized cells that must maintain the separation of hundreds of proteins in their distinct axonal and dendritic compartments. This polarized organization is essential for neuronal circuit formation and function. How neurons establish and maintain polarity is an enduring question in cellular and developmental neurobiology. We investigate this question using a C. elegans-to-human neuron cross-translational platform that provides both an in vivo model and a system to identify conserved mechanisms underlying neuronal polarity.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Responsible for basic lab maintenance duties including: purchasing supplies, maintaining inventories, preparing common reagents, and communicating with vendors
  • Oversee the laboratory to ensure safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
  • Perform basic molecular biology procedures including PCR, DNA electrophoresis, generation of plasmids (cloning and mini-prepping).
  • Prepare agar plates and media for worm rearing.
  • Perform worm crosses and PCR genotyping.
  • Freeze and thaw worm strains and maintain a database of frozen strains.
  • Create transgenic worm strains by microinjection.
  • Data collection through performing imaging experiments using a confocal microscope and/or image processing/analysis.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

  • A minimum two-year commitment is required due to a substantial training effort associated with the position.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $37,500 - $45,000 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

  • Bachelor's Degree in related scientific field (life sciences).
  • Some bench lab experience is required.

What You Will Need

  • Basic laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics or related fields
  • High level of organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to handle multiple ongoing projects
  • Comfort working and communicating in a group setting and enjoy working as part of a team

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience with molecular biology, genetics, and/or cell biology is preferred.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
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.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by April 17th, 2026 for consideration.
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.
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