Assistant Research Professor

Job Summary:

The Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a full-time Research Assistant Professor to join the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The successful candidate will collaborate with investigators to advance translational research in whole eye transplantation, optic nerve regeneration, and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA).

This position requires an experienced investigator with expertise in microsurgical techniques and the development of complex animal surgical models. The candidate will contribute to research programs focused on whole eye transplantation (WET), optic nerve regeneration, and transplantation immunology.

The successful applicant will work independently and collaboratively with research leadership and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement innovative surgical models and translational studies in both rodent and large animal systems.

Key Responsibilities:

* Work independently and collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and research team to design and execute translational research projects.

* Develop and perform rodent whole eye transplantation (WET) microsurgical models.

* Develop and perform rodent optic nerve transection and repair (ONTR) models for nerve regeneration research.

* Perform rodent vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) surgical models, including microsurgical vascular anastomosis and nerve repair.

* Develop and perform large animal microsurgical models, including porcine optic nerve transection and repair procedures and whole eye transplantation model.

* Apply advanced microsurgical techniques in rodent and large animal models, including vascular and neural reconstruction.

* Conduct ocular imaging and functional assessments including optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), and fluorescein angiography (FA).

* Design and conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments related to nerve regeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury, transplantation immunology, and tissue repair.

* Analyze experimental data and maintain accurate research records.

* Train and supervise laboratory personnel and trainees in microsurgical and experimental techniques.

* Lead and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, research reports, and grant applications.

* Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international scientific conferences.

* Ensure compliance with institutional research policies including IACUC and biosafety regulations.

* Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators and external research partners on translational research projects.

* Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

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.

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in surgery, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or a related field.

• At least five years of experience performing microsurgical procedures in animal research models.

• Demonstrated experience developing and performing rodent whole eye transplantation (WET) or related transplantation models.

• Demonstrated experience developing and performing optic nerve transection and repair models in rodents.

• Experience developing and implementing complex experimental surgical models.

• Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to design and execute complex experimental research studies independently.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting experimental results.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing research projects.

• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly in written and oral formats.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Ability to train and mentor laboratory personnel and trainees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to design and execute complex experimental research studies independently.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting experimental results.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in managing research projects.

• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly in written and oral formats.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Ability to train and mentor laboratory personnel and trainees.

• Demonstrated expertise in rodent microsurgery, including vascular anastomosis and nerve repair.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

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: Natalie Burgess, natalie.burgess@ucdenver.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until 4/13/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$110,000 to $135,000

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 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.