Lab Technician II

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators students and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs a history of widespread influence a forward-looking vision for a 21^st-century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning scholarship and practice students gain the experience knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The college is home to five academic departments: Biological Sciences Chemistry and Biochemistry Geography and the Environment Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy. The college offers over 30 degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy as well as having many active research labs funded through extramural sources.

About the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences integrates faculty postdocs and graduate students from a range of sub-disciplines ranging from Cell and Molecular Biology to Genomics Ecology and Evolutionary addition to core programs members of the department also participate in the NSM college-wide Molecular Biophysics graduate training program the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging and the DU Evolution Ecology and Biodiversity supergroup (DUEEBs). As part of the larger front-range scientific community research in the department is supported by core facilities at DU and at neighboring institutions (University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Colorado Boulder).

Position Summary

The Nichols Lab at the University of Denver is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician II to support externally funded research on cell adhesion innate immunity and hostmicrobe interactions in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri. This position requires a technician with demonstrated research experience strong technical independence and the ability to support multiple active projects in an emerging experimental model system.

The Research Laboratory Technician II will independently perform molecular biology microbiology protein biochemistry imaging and cell-biological experiments; contribute to troubleshooting and optimization of new protocols; support BSL-2 pathogen work with Legionella pneumophila; assist with data analysis and documentation; help manage lab operations; and train or coordinate undergraduate researchers working in the lab.

The preferred candidate will hold a bachelors degree in Biology Biochemistry or a related field and have prior research experience with basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques.

This is a full-time 12-month appointment with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance and continued funding. The start date is flexible.

Essential Functions

• Independently perform experiments involving molecular cloning PCR recombinant protein expression/purification microbial culture microscopy and sponge husbandry.
• Troubleshoot and optimize protocols for Ephydatia muelleri an emerging experimental model system.
• Coordinate and support multiple externally funded projects in cell biology innate immunity and hostmicrobe interactions.
• Handle BSL-2 pathogen work involving Legionella pneumophila in compliance with institutional biosafety protocols.
• Train undergraduate researchers in basic lab techniques experimental workflows safety practices and record keeping.
• Help oversee student experimental work and ensure protocols are followed reproducibly.
• Maintain laboratory organization including inventory ordering reagent preparation shared equipment maintenance and documentation.
• Contribute to data analysis figure preparation and organization of results for lab meetings reports manuscripts and grant-supported projects.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory research with a high degree of independence.
• Experience with molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques such as PCR cloning recombinant protein expression SDS-PAGE Western blotting protein purification or microbial culture.
• Ability to troubleshoot protocols and contribute to development of new experimental approaches.
• Ability to train coordinate or mentor undergraduate researchers.
• Strong organizational skills including inventory management reagent preparation ordering and maintenance of accurate laboratory records.
• Familiarity with data analysis image analysis statistical software spreadsheets or computational tools.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety including BSL-2 biosafety compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biology Biochemistry Molecular Biology Cell Biology Microbiology or a related field.
• Demonstrated laboratory research experience equivalent to approximately two years which may include undergraduate research internships technician experience or other hands-on research appointments.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology biochemistry microbiology cell biology or related laboratory techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience with molecular cloning CRISPR/Cas9 RT-qPCR microscopy cell culture microbial culture or quantitative image analysis.
• Experience training or mentoring students in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with data analysis or figure preparation using Python R Excel ImageJ/Fiji or related tools.
• Interest in evolutionary biology cell biology innate immunity hostmicrobe interactions or microbial symbiosis.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Work involves handling the BSL-2 pathogen Legionella pneumophila in accordance with biosafety standards.
• Optional fieldwork may occur at lakes and streams with activities such as wading snorkeling or SCUBA diving in cold water as well as overnight stays in hotels motels or other accommodations as appropriate.
• Fieldwork if undertaken typically occurs in the fall or winter for approximately one week per year.
• Position may involve moderate stress at times due to unexpected interruptions deadlines and multiple ongoing projects.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasional movement around the office laboratory or campus including the ability to transport objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity and ability to use laboratory equipment including micropipettes for extended periods of time.
• Ability to participate in optional field activities that may require wading snorkeling or SCUBA diving in variable conditions.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration please submit your application materials by 5:00 p.m. (MST) June 5 2026.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 7.

Hourly Range:
The hourly range for the position is $23.96 - $25.00.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.