University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Job Title: Principal Laboratory Science Professional

Position #00839640 – Requisition # 37650

Job Summary:

The laboratory of Dr. Olivia Rissland seeks to hire a Principal Laboratory Science Professionals to work on leading edge questions in RNA biology pursued as part of our research program outlined below. Our lab is in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and part of the RNA Bioscience Initiative at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our lab studies how co-translational processes regulate gene expression and is newly focused on leveraging these insights to create novel molecular tools.

One long-term goal of our research program is to understand the molecular mechanism of 2A peptides. These short 20-22 amino acid sequences enable a unique co-translational event – the skipping of a peptide bond – and thus the production of multiple, separate peptides from one coding region. This individual will investigate the molecular mechanism, using a suite of tools from biochemistry to cryo-electron microscopy to in-cell assays. Ideal candidates will have expertise in RNA biochemistry or structural biology, as well as familiarity with tissue culture cell work. Candidates will be expected to plan and execute independent work, assist in the writing and publication of experimental results, and contribute positively towards the atmosphere and culture of the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate how 2A peptides function.

• Develop molecular tools based on insights from 2A peptide research.

• Utilize experimental techniques, including:

  • Mammalian cell culture

  • RNA biochemistry

  • Cryo-EM

  • Nucleic acid purification and sequencing

  • Computational biology

  • Genome engineering

  • Molecular genetics

• Gain proficiency in RNA biology, biochemistry, and structural biology throughout the course of research.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our department conducts research across a wide biological scale for fundamental scientific understanding with applications to many disease contexts. The overarching goal is to reach a level of molecular insight that helps develop therapeutic approaches to disease.

As biochemists and molecular geneticists, we are amid an unprecedented time of discovery - our conception of the molecular biology of cells is going from the equivalent of grainy black-and-white to high-resolution technicolor. From deciphering the choreography of transcription complexes, chromosomes, and RNA molecules within cells to developing novel approaches to 3D molecular structure determination to understanding how viruses hijack a cell’s machinery and alter its metabolome, the researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) are at the forefronts of their fields both conceptually and technologically.

Why work for the University?

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