National Jewish Health is seeking a highly motivated Lab Researcher - Genomics to join the Genomics Core Laboratory. This role supports a wide range of research programs by developing, implementing and performing advanced genomics techniques and next-generation sequencing workflows. The ideal candidate enjoys working with cutting-edge technologies, solving complex technical challenges and collaborating with investigators to support high-quality genomic research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs specialized genomic laboratory techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), gene expression profiling, epigenomics, CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, single-cell RNA sequencing and CITE-seq
• Develops and implements new laboratory methods, assays and investigative procedures to support research objectives
• Conducts quality control activities, sample tracking and data analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability of results
• Designs and performs routine and non-routine experiments and maintains organized laboratory records and sample inventories
• Provides guidance to laboratory staff and serves as a resource for laboratory programs, collaborators and vendors

National Jewish Health is the nation's leading respiratory hospital, recognized for excellence in patient care, research and education. As part of the Genomics Core Laboratory, the Lab Researcher supports investigators across the institution by providing advanced genomic sequencing capabilities, technical expertise and innovative laboratory approaches that help advance scientific research and discovery.

Position Summary: The position is responsible for planning, developing, executing, monitoring and testing high level, technically-demanding genomic sequencing techniques and investigative procedures under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.

Essential Duties

• Develops new cellular, molecular, and/or genomic techniques and investigative procedures, including novel scientific procedures, computer/robotic programming techniques, and/or data reporting techniques.
• Monitors quality control of procedures, experiments, general laboratory activities, sample tracking, and/or the use of research animals or human subject samples in the laboratory setting.
• Performs specialized, complex, and technically demanding laboratory functions including, but not limited to robotics, gene expression profiling, genomics, next generation sequencing, epigenomics technologies, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, scRNA-seq, and/or CITE-seq.
• Develops and performs novel NGS assays, including but not limited to new methodology for sample preparation, genomic/epigenomic modification, library build, or sequencing.
• Provides general guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support and auxiliary staff. Acts as a leader for laboratory programs and staff in assigned areas.
• Demonstrates enhanced proficiency in data analysis, sample tracking, extraction and sample preparation procedures, programming and analysis systems.
• Prepares statistical tabulations using advanced analysis programs and tools.
• Oversees supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
• Maintains compliance with all institutional / safety training requirements.
• Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).
• Acts a liaison to other department personnel, outside investigators, and vendors.
• Designs and performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.

Competencies

• 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.
• Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
• Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
• Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
• Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
• Professional Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.
• Drive for Excellence: Consistently meets performance expectations, ensures that accurate, objective, and timely measures of quality are made and used.
• 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

• Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
• Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
• Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
• Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
• Promotes a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution.
• Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: BS /BA Degree in Molecular Biology or related field required. Master’s Degree in a molecular biology field is preferred.
• Work Experience:
  • 1-2 years of Genomics-based Laboratory Experience required, and at least 2 years experience in a laboratory setting or
  • A Master’s Degree and some genomics laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 1-2 years of Genomics-based laboratory work experience.
• Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Familiarity with multiple advanced, technically demanding genomics approaches, including but not limited to NGS pipelines, single-cell approaches, epigenomics, CRISPR-Cas9 approaches, and/or 3D Genomic protocols.

Salary Range: $22.76 - $30.10

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 $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time 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: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up 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.