CU Skin Cancer Biorepository Lab Sciences Professional

Job Summary:

The CU Skin Cancer Biorepository Lab Sciences Professional will perform required operations related to the Skin Cancer Biorepository. This includes identifying patients eligible to provide specimens, obtaining informed consents, and collecting samples such as blood (will need phlebotomy certification if not already certified), tissue, and other bodily fluids. This position will also maintain the specimen database and assist with specimen preparation for storage, as well as for the preparation of DNA, RNA, plasma, and serum. This role involves spending time both in the Cutaneous Oncology Clinic at the University Hospital and in the research laboratories at the University of Colorado AMC.

Under a Study Use Agreement, samples and clinical information collected by the Skin Cancer Biorepository will be made available to researchers at the University of Colorado medical campus, other academic institutions, and commercial biotech and pharmaceutical companies. This position will be the primary point of contact for these collaborations, organizing and managing contract records. Key responsibilities include consenting eligible patients, coordinating the shipment of materials, performing routine follow-up blood draws, and providing clinical data for analysis. This role will also schedule and attend weekly Scientific Advisory Committee meetings, maintain records of these meetings, and assist in preparing quarterly reports on the bank’s activities.

The tissue bank is a critical component of the Cutaneous Oncology Research Laboratory, directed by Dr. William Robinson, MD/PhD, and Dr. Kasey Couts, PhD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and recruit prospective skin cancer research participants for sample collection for the Cutaneous Oncology Tissue Bank.

• Draw blood from consented patients.

• Ensure the informed consent process is completed and properly documented as required.

• Obtain medical history, current medications, and review protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria to confirm patient eligibility; perform blood draws as needed.

• Transport blood and/or tissue samples from the clinic to the melanoma research laboratory.

• Work closely with pathology and outside facilities to obtain FFPE blocks and fresh tissue from consented patients.

• Track patients undergoing surgery to obtain tissue samples then coordinating with laboratory staff and the Tissue Bank to facilitate research activities.

• Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and other stakeholders that support laboratory and research functions to coordinate biorepository sample collections.

• Communicate timely updates to the Institutional Review Board and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator regarding protocols to ensure smooth study flow and compliance with governing regulations.

• Review patient medical history and enter data for all Tissue Bank patients; initiate phone contact with patients and obtain outside medical records when necessary.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

CU Anschutz is an academic medical campus at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare. From heart disease to cancer, Alzheimer’s to COVID-19, our campus and collaborative partnerships advance the life-changing discoveries of tomorrow. We educate 4,500 degree-seeking future health professionals and see over 2 million patient visits annually with $704 million in annual research grants. In the Department of Medicine alone, we have more than 1,000 faculty, 192 residents and 200 fellows distributed in 14 divisions, our clinical, research and academic programs attract the best providers, investigators, staff, and students from around the world who are transforming the future of health care.

In Medical Oncology, our faculty are acknowledged both nationally and internationally for their innovative work in cancer research, resulting in regular collaborations with a variety of institutions globally in addition to collaborations with colleagues within our own division and institution. The focus of our researchers is centered around the development and application of experimental therapeutics and targeted agents for future cancer patient treatment as well as advancing patient-centered care for those facing cancer. Innovative strides continue to be made in cancer research each day because of the continued passion and dedication by our faculty in the fight against cancer.

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%25 of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/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:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.

• Two (2) years of experience in oncology clinical research.

• Previous phlebotomy experience.

• Previous experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Conditions of Employment:

• Willingness to become Phlebotomist certified and draw blood, if not already certified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.

• Proficient daily use with MS Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and Viper including internet and electronic mail capabilities for University of Colorado business only.

• Possess knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, FDA Rules and Regulations, NHI guidelines, ICH guidelines and HIPAA regulations in relation to clinical trials.

• Understanding of basic laboratory skills including sterile technique, specimen preparation, handling and storage.

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. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Stephanie Fields, stephanie.n.fields@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 1^st, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $46,274 – $58,861.

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 may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination 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@cuanschutz.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.