University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: SOM, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Job Title: 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 interaction
• 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 member
• Write grants and secure independent funding
• Collaborate with researchers across the lab, department, and university, and represent the lab at conference
• 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.

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 journal

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 discipline
• 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 level
• Good written and verbal communication skills, needed for grant writing, manuscript preparation, and presenting at conference
• 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 addre

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Anthony Davis, [email protected]

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