Lab Researcher

The Abbott lab, in the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine at National Jewish Health, is seeking a highly motivated Lab Researcher to join the team. The Abbott lab studies innate immune mechanisms in inflammatory disease with a particular emphasis on functional genetics. The lab is fast-paced, energetic and highly collaborative.

This position includes performing complex laboratory procedures such as molecular analysis (protein, DNA, RNA, cloning). Experience in tissue culture, basic cell and molecular biology techniques is essential and experience in mouse husbandry and colony maintenance is preferred. Good organization and prioritization skills are required.

The members of the team are highly collaborative and interactive, and the candidate must have strong motivation and communication skills. The incumbent must be able to accurately record and coordinate data collection and analysis and manage interactions with colleagues in a professional manner.

A cover letter (including personal statement and future career goals, 1-page limit) is required for review of the application. In addition, please provide three professional references with contact information.

Position Summary
The position is responsible for planning, developing, executing and monitoring testing techniques and investigative procedures under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.  

Essential Duties

1. Develops new techniques and investigative procedures, including scientific routines, computer programming techniques and data reporting techniques.
2. Monitors quality control of routines, experiments, general laboratory activities and the use of research animals in the laboratory setting.
3. Performs laboratory functions unique to the assigned laboratory.
4. Provides general guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support and auxiliary staff.  Acts as a leader for laboratory programs and staff in assigned areas.
5. Demonstrates enhanced proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, programming and mathematical ordering systems.
6. Prepares statistical tabulations, using a calculator or computer.
7. Oversees supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
8. Maintains compliance with all institutional / safety training requirements.
9. Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).
10. Acts a liaison to other department personnel, outside investigators, and vendors.
11. Performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.

Other Duties

1. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Competencies

1. Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health. 
2. Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
3. Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement.   Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
4. Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
5. Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
6. Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
7. Professional Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.
8. Drive for Excellence: Consistently meets performance expectations, ensures that accurate, objective, and timely measures of quality are made and used.
9. Innovation Management: Identifies key trends, opportunities, and organizational capabilities that would bring competitive advantage to the organization.  Sees trends before others and integrates concepts in a unique way.

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility
None

Travel
None

Core Values

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Promotes a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. 
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelor's Degree required.
2. Work Experience: 2 years of Laboratory Experience required.A Master’s Degree and laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 2 years of work experience.
3. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None

Salary Range: $22.76 - $30.10

Benefits
At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset. With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families. 

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.