Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with well-characterized human cohorts and preclinical transgenic mouse models, leveraging multi-omics and mechanistic approaches to generate high-impact, translational datasets. The successful candidate will work closely with the team at the Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry to design and execute studies investigating the biological mechanisms underlying risk for neuropsychiatric disorders and transgenerational effects of stress.

Day-to-day responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, mentoring students and trainees, and supporting ongoing research projects within the department. You will be expected to contribute to manuscript preparation (including first-author publications), participate in grant writing, and present research findings through oral and poster presentations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments using transgenic mouse models, including preconception paradigms and embryo manipulation.

• Perform and troubleshoot extracellular vesicle processing and downstream characterization, including proteomic sample preparation and analysis.

• Coordinate sample management and quality control across multiple human cohorts and studies.

• Oversee laboratory operations and regulatory compliance, including management of controlled substances (DEA), radiation safety authorizations, chemical inventory, and adherence to institutional EHS guidelines.

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and establish standardized protocols to ensure consistency and reproducibility.

• Collaborate with investigators across disciplines to refine research questions, interpret findings, and prepare manuscripts.

• Contribute to grant writing, progress reports, and collaborative funding efforts.

• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $705 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

The Department of Psychiatry is one of the largest units in the UCD-SOM and is comprised of 5 Divisions. The CU Department of Psychiatry sets the standard for Education and Training of leaders in psychiatry and mental health care, conducts ground-breaking Research that aims to eradicate suffering due to psychiatric and substance use disorders, provides ready access to state of-the-art mental health preventions and interventions across the continuum of care, and collaborates with the community and other key stakeholders to promote well-being among all Coloradans. We accomplish this vision in a manner that respects, values and advocates for the dignity and worth of each individual and family.

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
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/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.

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a related field.

• Two years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in translational neuroscience, stress biology, or developmental biology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with rodent models, including colony management, breeding and maintenance of transgenic mouse lines, and their use in mechanistic studies.

• Demonstrated expertise in fundamental molecular and cellular biology techniques.

• Experience managing large human cohorts, including biospecimen handling and integration with downstream molecular analyses.

• Familiarity with laboratory best practices, including protocol development, documentation, and reproducibility.

• Multiple first-author and/or main co-author peer-reviewed publications.

• Demonstrated track record of successful grant funding or contribution to funded research proposals.

• Expertise in extracellular vesicle biology, including isolation, characterization, and functional studies.

• Experience with embryo manipulation techniques, including embryo culture, transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and/or artificial insemination.

• Prior involvement in interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong data interpretation skills, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of experimental results.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in complex experimental settings.

• Strong organizational and laboratory management skills, including protocol standardization and record-keeping.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams.

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific findings clearly to diverse audiences.

• Willingness to mentor and support junior trainees, fostering a collaborative and productive lab environment.

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: Stephanie Vetter, stephanie.vetter@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration apply by 04/30/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Research Scientist: $83,000-$87,500.

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 Employment 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.