Research Assistant Professor

Job Summary:

The Division of Neonatology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Perinatal Research Center. We seek an innovative and collaborative scientist with expertise in reproductive physiology

and placental biology. The successful candidate will be able to leverage both large animal and in vitro models to establish an independent, extramurally funded research program. Their research program should focus on utilizing advanced in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models to investigate the endocrine, molecular, and physiological mechanisms that regulate maternal-placental-fetal interactions, with particular emphasis on nutrient transport across the placenta, trophoblast mitochondrial function and endocrine signaling, and fetal adaptations to metabolic challenges. It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to integrate their research with collaborative projects ongoing in other faculty laboratories at the Perinatal Research Center and within the Division of Neonatology.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, or related field. Competitive candidates will demonstrate evidence of research independence with a clear trajectory toward securing NIH or equivalent extramural funding, along with expertise in advanced experimental techniques including gene targeting approaches in vivo (RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing), surgical vascular instrumentation of sheep pregnancies, metabolic tracer physiology studies, Doppler ultrasound and velocimetry, placental biology, and human trophoblast cell and organoid culture systems.

Key Responsibilities:

* Develop and lead an independent, extramurally funded research

program in perinatal physiology.

* Perform pregnant sheep vascular instrumentation surgeries.

* Leverage in vivo techniques such as metabolic tracer studies, nutrient and hormone clamps, and/or Doppler ultrasound to study physiology.

* Establish a trophoblast organoid model that includes corresponding gene editing pipeline to study fetal-placental signaling at the Perinatal Research Center.

* Conduct mechanistic studies determining how fetal and placental hormones regulate nutrient delivery, metabolism, and fetal growth.

* Apply advanced molecular biology in vivo approaches such as RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 in the sheep to study cause-and-effect relationships between fetal signals and placental function.

* Mentor graduate students, MD fellows and postdoctoral trainees.

* Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations across the Anschutz Medical Campus.

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.

* Ph.D. or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Animal Science, Reproductive Biology, or related field.

* Dissertation focused on the ovine placental lactogen.

* Strong research background in reproductive physiology, perinatal biology, or placental endocrinology.

* Demonstrated experience and expertise with both in vivo large-animal models and molecular/cellular systems for investigating placental and fetal physiology.

* Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national/international conferences.

* Competitive record of research funding indicating a trajectory that

* will culminate in NIH or equivalent extramural funding. This includes successfully having obtained T32 and F32 funding.

* A publication record in peer-reviewed manuscripts that demonstrates expertise in:

o In vivo vascular access for in fetal and placental circulations of pregnant sheep.

o Fetoplacental hormonal crosstalk and its role in nutrient transport and fetal growth.

o Glucagon and placental lactogen in reproductive physiology.

o The use of large-animal models (ovine, bovine) to investigate pregnancy.

o Surgical proficiency in embryo transfer in sheep.

o Proficiency with molecular biology techniques, including RNA interference (RNAi), gene expression analysis, and vector design.

o Experience with cell culture.

o Physiological studies including metabolic tracer studies, blood gas, nutrient and hormone measurements.

o Utilization of Doppler ultrasonography to measure blood flow and

measures of blood flow in sheep.

o Targeted metabolomics platforms across various tissue types.

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 of manipulating maternal nutrition to study the effects of uterine blood flow and fetal and developmental programming outcomes using the beef cow.

* Prior experience with RNA sequencing processing and bioinformatics.

* Experience with presenting research to policy makers.

* Experience with experimental infections of cells and animals with pathogens.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Research experience across reproductive physiology, placental biology, and perinatal biology.

* Demonstrated expertise in fetoplacental crosstalk and its role in nutrient transport and fetal growth.

* Experience in investigating how the hormones glucagon and placental lactogen impact maternal, placental, and fetal physiology.

* Experience using large-animal models (ovine, bovine, swine, equine) and their translational relevance to human pregnancy.

* Surgical proficiency in embryo transfer, vascular catheterization and ovariectomies in sheep.

* Proficiency with molecular biology techniques, including RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9, gene expression analysis, and vector design.

* Experience with cell culture (both primary and immortalized) and organoid systems, including human trophoblast models.

* Competence in physiological studies including metabolic tracer studies, blood gas, nutrient and hormone measurements.

* Expertise in utilizing Doppler ultrasonography to measure blood flow and measures of vascular resistance during pregnancy in the sheep and beef cow.

* Experience in using targeted metabolomics across various tissue types.

* Demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding.

* Excellence in scientific communication, with extensive experience writing peer-reviewed manuscripts, presenting at international conferences, and delivering invited talks

* Proficiency in mentorship and supervision of undergraduate and graduate trainees.

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: paul.rozance@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and closes March 10, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $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

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.