Research Associate

Job Summary:

The Soragni Laboratory seeks a Project Scientist with expertise in patient-derived tumor organoids, high throughput assay development, and clinical sample handling. The Project Scientist will work independently and in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, research team, and external partners to support and expand the laboratory's organoid pipeline. This includes responsibility for sample flow from procurement to processing, assay execution, screening operations, and data transfer. The position will support projects focused on NF1-associated tumors and neurofibromas, while also maintaining a wider research scope across sarcoma and other rare malignancies.

The Project Scientist will train junior scientists, support assay deployment, assist in manuscript preparation, and contribute to grant development. Comfort with clinical tissue processing and familiarity with automated or semi-automated platforms is preferred. The role requires independent decision making, strong organizational skills, and the capacity to operate in a fast moving, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Organoid Pipeline and NF1 Program Support (40%)
* Coordinate and execute clinical tissue processing, biospecimen intake, and organoid establishment with an emphasis on NF1-associated tumors as well as sarcoma and other rare cancers.
* Seed and expand tumor organoids, including bioprinting or 3D culture workflows when appropriate.
* Plan, schedule, and operate drug screening runs; coordinate imaging and data transfer.
* Support the development of new NF1-focused assays to characterize differentiation state, drug response, and resistance phenotypes.

Assay Development and Screening (35%)
* Design, optimize, and validate cell-based assays to support compound testing and mechanistic studies.
* Identify, deploy, and refine high throughput screening models to meet program needs.
* Work with automation engineers and software teams to integrate workflows into standardized, reproducible systems.

Collaboration, Training, and Communication (15%)
* Train undergraduate and graduate students in tissue handling, organoid workflows, and automation.
* Contribute to manuscripts, figures, presentations, and grant proposals.
* Present data, interpret results, and draw independent conclusions for internal and external meetings.
* Interact with collaborators, scientific partners, and cross-functional teams to advance project milestones.

Laboratory Operations and Continuous Improvement (10%)
* Maintain awareness of new methods, technologies, and literature; integrate updates to improve efficiency, rigor, and data quality.
* Troubleshoot workflow and technical challenges, propose solutions, and implement refinements.
* Contribute to an environment of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and transparency.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), located in the magnificent new Health Science building with a fabulous view of the Rocky Mountains, provides a fantastic environment to thrive and pursue career goals. DBMI has a dedicated team for Grants Development and Scientific Writing, and a Software Engineering Team that can provide invaluable feedback to improve the quality of your code and your programming skills.

The PI is committed to supporting the candidate's research progress and career development, including exploring new project areas and collaborations.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

* PhD in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field.

* Five (5) years of research experience with clinical samples, organoids, or primary patient material.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with high throughput screening assays preferred.

* Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Strong verbal and written communication skills and 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 (only use if a cover letter is necessary)

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume

1. Three to 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: DBMI.HR, dbmi.hr@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until January 20, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

HIRING RANGE: $75,000-$80,000

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.