Lab Researcher - Hume Lab

The Hume lab at National Jewish Health is seeking a motivated Lab Researcher to join their innovative team studying the effects of cigarette smoking and vaping on human and mouse immune systems.

Our lab seeks to understand how an important lung immune cell known as a macrophage is altered by cigarette smoking and vaping and further how this leads to reduced immunity against infections. We use a large library of human lung samples which we continue to collect to understand the location and programming of immune cells in different regions of the lungs. We perform sterile cell culture experiments with primary human and mouse macrophages. We also expose mice to cigarette smoking and ecigarette vapor (using a brandnew vaping exposure machine) to study the shortterm effects these substances have on defense from bacteria like S. pneumonia which we also grow in the lab. Finally we study macrophages donated by patients with specific genetic predispositions to smokinginduced lung diseases to understand how their cells function differently.

Training on specific techniques used in the laboratory will be provided though prior experience with techniques including sterile cell culture flow cytometry PCR western blotting and/or bacterial culture are preferred. Ability and willingness to work with research mice is required. Other general techniques utilized in the lab include tissue histology fluorescent microscopy ELISA and data analysis in Microsoft Excel. The Lab Researcher will also assist with building and organizing our established human tissue bank.

The selected candidate for this position will:

• Work under the supervision of the principal investigator.
• Be involved in daily collaborative interaction with other lab members.
• Perform experiments independently after receiving training.
• Collect analyze and graph the data (training to be provided) using basic statistical software (Microsoft Office Suite GraphPad Prism).
• Present data at lab meetings using PowerPoint.
• Be highly organized and able to maintain clear and reliable records including computer databases.
• Participate in laboratory maintenance and operations.

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 nonroutine 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 coworkers 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. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures.
6. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
7. Demonstrates compliance with all state federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelors Degree required.
2. Work Experience: 2 years of Laboratory Experience required.A Masters Degree and laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 2 years of work experience.
3. Special Training Certification or Licensure: None

Salary Range: $21.00 $25.00

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 $5250 annually for fulltime and parttime 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:Employerpaid plans and optional buyup 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.

Application Deadline:This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.