Research Assistant Professor

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department of Pediatrics | Section of Neonatology

Job Title: Research Assistant Professor

Position #: 00845472 – Requisition #:39206

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 Ne