Open Rank - Professional Research Assistant - Senior Professional Research Assistant (0.5 FTE)

Job Summary:

The Professional Research Assistant or Senior Professional Research Assistant will investigate therapeutic modalities to overcome antimicrobial resistance within Dr. Brian Tsuji's research laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO. The team's research focuses on exploring antibiotic combinations to achieve mechanistic and therapeutic synergy against urgent clinical Gram-negative threats, using in vitro exposure-response assays, RNA and whole-genome sequencing, PK/PD modeling, and high-resolution microscopy. This interdisciplinary approach challenges current resistance paradigms and provides clinical guidance that improves treatment outcomes and saves lives.

The chosen candidate will experience unique prospects for professional growth, including opportunities to publish and present research findings at national and international conferences and to conduct research. The candidate will also gain experience performing advanced laboratory experiments and pharmacometrics PK/PD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct pharmacometrics, PK/PD modeling, and drug exposure-response studies
• Perform advanced imaging (phase contrast, fluorescence, SEM, TEM) and flow cytometry
• Execute molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR
• Document experiments accurately, lead meetings, and present research findings
• Write manuscripts and presents at national/international conferences
• Support lab operations, mentor students, and oversee administrative tasks

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is preparing the world's future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists through innovative learning and teaching. During its more than110-year history, the School of Pharmacy has been a global leader in medical discoveries, patient care, pharmacy advocacy, and online education. CU Pharmacy is ranked in the top 15% of all pharmacy schools in the nation, producing graduates that exceed national student outcomes and enjoy stellar career opportunities. The School's faculty are advancing science and health care, through programs that reach urban and rural Coloradans, as well as communities around the world.

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% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/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.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Professional Research Assistant or Senior Professional Research Assistant based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Professional Research Assistant:

• Bachelor's Degree

• Previous benchwork experience in microbiology or translational research

• Previous benchwork experience in mathematical modeling

• Previous experience in statistical packages such as R

Senior Professional Research Assistant:

• Master's Degree

• Previous benchwork experience in microbiology or translational research

• Previous benchwork experience in mathematical modeling

• Previous experience in statistical packages such as R

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in quantitative analysis using various techniques and software tools.
• Proficiency in R or Python to analyze data and experience with statistical,
• machine learning, and data science approaches.
• Prior experience working in teams on collaborative projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in one of more of the following: PK/PD modeling, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, high-resolution microscopy, functional genomics, analytical chemistry (LC-MS, HPLC)

• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory QSP protocols

• Ability and desire to seek external research funding is preferred.

• A highly motivated and exceptionally organized team player with good communication skills.

• Knowledge of experimental design and basic science techniques including safety procedures

• Ability to generate, process, and analyze large datasets using R or other appropriate software.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with lab members, faculty colleagues, and departmental staff and administration.

• Excellent attention to detail.

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: sop.hr@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until January 27, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Professional Research Assistant: $24,205 to $29,000

Sr. Professional Research Assistant: $29,343.50 to $32,500

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.