Laboratory Sciences Professional (Intermediate – Senior Level)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Medicine | Division of Rheumatology

Job Title: Laboratory Sciences Professional (Intermediate – Senior Level)

Position: #00839025 – Requisition: #37615

Job Summary:

The Jonsson lab is looking for a full-time Laboratory Sciences Professional to join the research team led by Dr. Anna Helena Jonsson, Assistant Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Jonsson lab studies the disease mechanisms that drive rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. We use mouse models as well as human immunology techniques (i.e., using cells from human blood and tissues) to model the cellular and molecular drivers of autoimmune diseases.

This position will primarily involve performing experiments to investigate the role of T cells and other immune cells in driving inflammation as well as managing our mouse colony. An experiment might involve isolating T cells from a human blood sample, co-culturing them with some form of stimulus, and then measuring the response using a variety of techniques. This position will also include working with live mice for the purpose of colony management and to perform mouse models of inflammatory arthritis. The work will be a mixture of independent work and professional, respectful, and enthusiastic interactions with researchers and sometimes patients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize a variety of laboratory experiments and tabulate and analyze the results, with techniques including:

• Flow cytometry; ELISAs, Midi/Maxi-preps, RNA extraction and qPCR; stimulation assays for cytokine secretion; and cell culture; staining tissue sections for immunofluorescence microscopy.

• Mouse manipulation including IP and IV injections and measuring mouse joints during inflammatory arthritis experiments.

• Tissue harvest (e.g., spleen, lymph nodes, joints) for histology and cellular, and molecular analyses.

• Laboratory management (inventory, ordering, purchase reconciliation, organizing, and disposal).

• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary, including Mouse colony maintenance (breeding, weaning, genotyping, recordkeeping).

• Independently and creatively identify, review, develop, and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects.

• Assist and train junior team members and collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Dr. Jonsson launched her lab at CU Anschutz in summer 2023 after spending eight years doing research in lab of world-renowned immunologist and arthritis biologist, Dr. Michael Brenner. During that time, she also worked with a large nationwide research consortium that applied cutting-edge technologies to human tissue samples. Her research will leverage discoveries from these high-profile research collaborations to inform her cellular and molecular immunology studies of autoimmune disease.

In addition to her links to the larger rheumatology research community, Dr. Jonsson’s lab also offers the benefits of working in a smaller lab, namely more interactions with the principal investigator and abundant opportunities for growth as a scientist and researcher. Motivated candidates will have opportunities to learn and gain expertise in many different techniques. Exposure to both mouse and human immunology as well as a range of techniques and experimental approach