Research Scientist

Job Summary:

A Research Scientist position is available in the Zyla Lab, within the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

As a Research Scientist in the Zyla Lab, you'll lead your own independent research program on viral fusion and host-pathogen interactions, using cryo-EM and cryo-ET to get at questions about how viruses actually engage and enter host cells at the structural level. Beyond your own project, you'll shape how structural virology gets done across the department, setting up pipelines and SOPs that other labs will rely on for years. Day to day, that might mean optimizing sample prep and data collection for a new viral fusion complex one week, and troubleshooting a tomography workflow with a postdoc from another lab the next. It's a role with real ownership, both scientifically and in terms of building infrastructure, and it comes with the support and mentorship of an established PI while still giving you room to grow your own scientific identity, secure your own funding, and eventually build toward a faculty-track career.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead an independent research project on the cryo-EM/cryo-ET aspects of viral fusion and host-pathogen interactions

* Introduce and establish cryo-ET capabilities at CU Anschutz

* Develop and optimize data-processing pipelines and SOPs for cryo-EM/cryo-ET work

* Mentor and train graduate students, postdocs, and other lab/department members

* Write grants and secure independent funding

* Collaborate with researchers across the lab, department, and university, and represent the lab at conferences

* Contribute to manuscript writing, data analysis, and broader lab management

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?

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 (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/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.

* Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

* Prior experience or background within an experimental or wet lab

* Prior experience in Cryo-ET

Preferred Qualifications:

* PhD degree in biological sciences, computational disciplines, or a related field within the last three years.

* Record of productivity supported by peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Strong background in structural biology, with hands-on experience in cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and processing; cryo-ET experience is a major plus given the goals of this role

* Comfortable working independently to troubleshoot technical problems, whether that's optimizing a grid prep protocol or refining a processing pipeline

* Track record of productive collaboration, including working across labs and disciplines

* Solid grasp of virology or host-pathogen biology, or a demonstrated ability to pick up new biological systems quickly

* Experience mentoring or training others in a lab setting, with the patience and clarity to teach technical skills to people at different levels

* Good written and verbal communication skills, needed for grant writing, manuscript preparation, and presenting at conferences

* Ability to balance a personal research project with broader lab and department responsibilities, and to help keep things organized and running smoothly

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: Anthony Davis, Anthony.j.davis@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 3, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$85,000

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.