Assistant Professor

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department of Pediatrics | Section of Neonatology

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Position #:  00845870 – Requisition #:39255

Job Summary:

The Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology has an opening for a full-time Assistant Professor, Phd (Fetal Physiologist and Molecular Biologist) at the Perinatal Research Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus working in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Brown, MD. The Perinatal Research Center provides

multi-disciplinary basic and translational research in the areas of perinatal biology and medicine. The Brown laboratory within the PRC focuses on impact of adverse events in pregnancy, namely intrauterine growth restriction, on fetal skeletal and cardiac muscle growth and development. The Research Associate role is responsible for many assays related to the assessment of skeletal muscle growth and function, including muscle harvest, tissue processing, molecular analysis of protein and RNA, histological analysis, mitochondrial function, and the capacity for cell growth and differentiation in culture. It also requires experience in fetal surgery for indwelling catheter placement in animal models of IUGR, including sheep and mouse.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Independently performs live animal surgeries in pregnant sheep for the placement of indwelling maternal and fetal catheters, flow probes, and muscle biopsies - 20%

·         Performs tissue and cell harvest and preserve samples for cell culture, single cell isolations, histology, protein and RNA analyses - 20%

·         Performs myofiber incubations with a variety of growth stimulators,  inhibitors, and tracers to estimate protein kinetic rates - 10%

·         Figure preparation using Power Point and manuscript preparation and proofreading - 10%

·         Performs histological procedures, including cryosectioning and complex immunohistochemical staining and demonstrates a highly technical capacity in the utilization of laboratory equipment and reagents - 10%

·         Oversees student trainees (residents, fellows, students) in the laboratory, provides teaching and oversight for laboratory assays and techniques - 10%

·         Performs statistical analyses of large and small data sets including metabolomic and proteomic data sets and has an excellent fund of  knowledge about different statistical approaches - 10%

·         Organizes and maintains all current and archived specimens and data - 5%

·         Maintains and evaluates quality control/assurance metrics and review laboratory documents for accuracy and completeness in agreement with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and study specific requirements - 2%

·         Completes all UCD required training and compliance courses - 2%

·         Performs other duties as assigned - 1%

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

With an abundance of sunshine and mountains nearby, the Colorado Front Range is the place to be! The Section of Neonatology, Community Practice Group provides high quality, complex patient care in support of community-based neonatology intensive care units. Community Practice Group faculty facilitate the coordination of care across a network system designed to leverage practice expertise in quality, patient safety, and outcomes and drive innovation in the delivery of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine to improve lives across a spectrum of ages and disease states.

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% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/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:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Animal Sciences

• A minimum of 6 years of experience as a postdoctoral fellow within an academic, medical, or related research laboratory environment.

• Experience (5 years) performing live animal surgeries in pregnant sheep independently for the placement of indwelling catheters, flow probes, and muscle biopsies in the fetus

• Experience (5 years) harvesting both skeletal myocytes and cardiomyocytes for single cell isolations and for propagation in cell culture

• Experience (5 years) performing large analysis of metabolomic data, preparation of heat maps, PCA plots, pathway analysis and statistical analysis.

Condition of Employment:

• Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado

• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check

*For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications:

●        Experience with complex metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses

●        Experience working with a diversity of tissue types

●        Experience working with network-based software systems for data

management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

●        Ability to accurately follow assigned protocols and develop new techniques as needed.

●        Demonstrates capacity to work independently and trouble shoot complex processes.

●        Demonstrates organizational, methodical, detail-oriented, self-motivated competencies.

●        High emotional quotient (EQ) with the ability to effectively communicate and function as a member of a multi-disciplined, cross-functional progressive research unit.

●        Lift, push and/or pull up to 20 pounds.

●        The position may also require a stationary position for long durations, movement for extended periods, and execution of repetitive motions as required during the provision of services.

●        Work in an environment that may expose you to fumes, chemicals, liquid nitrogen, extreme cold, blood and body fluids, infectious disease, radioisotopes and other biohazards.

●        Work with complex technology and laboratory equipment, various chemical and biological solutions, and wear all PPE as appropriate.

●        Work within a high-level secured facility.

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 address

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

Questions should be directed to: Diane.hitchcock@cuanschutz.edu 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and closes March 16, 2026. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$95,000

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

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination 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@ucdenver.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.