User Support

You are not Alone!

Please acknowledge the SIP core facility ( RRID: SCR_018986) in publications, on posters, or in talks if you use any instruments in the SIP core facility. Please include SIP's RRID (RRID: SCR_018986) and the grant numbers for instruments funded through instrumentation grants in your acknowledgements. This is a requirement from the funding agencies and is crucial for future funding. Find example text on the Acknowledgement Page or the individual instrument pages.

Our Vision and Goals

  • The SIP was established by the Department of Biochemistry at CU Boulder to prioritise the sharing of instruments, analytical tools, resources, and expertise, ensuring that researchers have access to everything they need for success.
  • Our mission is to equip researchers with the tools and knowledge required to conduct groundbreaking research that advances global progress.
  •  We are committed to building a sustainable and outstanding research environment that is inclusive and equitable, with shared resources at its core.
  • By fostering the sharing of expertise and resources, we aim to drive collaboration and innovation across disciplines.

Full-Spectrum Support

diagram depicting the different steps of user support in SIP
We’ve got you covered!

A Comprehensive Approach to User Support is Central to SIP

At SIP, we provide much more than just access to instruments, focusing on comprehensive user support from the initial meeting and onboarding to personalised assistance tailored to individual needs. Our aim is to support users throughout their entire journey.

Planning Support: Since its establishment in 2012, SIP has gained substantial experience. We assist users in identifying the best approach to their scientific questions, helping them plan effectively by considering the strengths, limitations, and requirements of their chosen method to ensure they are well-prepared.

Personalised Training: We offer tailored, hands-on training on the instruments, using both standard and user-specific samples to provide preliminary results. If optimisation or troubleshooting is required, SIP staff are readily available to assist. We also offer multiple training sessions or refreshers as needed, supported by step-by-step instructions for independent use of the instruments.

Troubleshooting Assistance: SIP staff are always on hand to help users resolve issues promptly. With our extensive experience, we can often troubleshoot problems quickly. Our open-door policy allows users to seek assistance at any time, with multiple communication channels available if staff are temporarily out of office assisting other users.

Optimising Experimental Conditions: We work closely with users to optimise experimental parameters for the best outcomes. Our open-door policy extends to this area as well, and we actively collaborate to find effective solutions. If needed, we seek out further information to provide the best possible support.

Data Analysis and Evaluation: SIP offers tools and guidance for data analysis and interpretation, advising on what the data can and cannot reveal, based on the method or technique used. We help ensure appropriate controls and replicates are in place, supporting best practices for robust, reproducible results.

In short, we are here to support our researchers every step of the way.