Establish and conduct cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and
patient-derived xenograft (PDX) studies, including tumor
implantation, growth monitoring, randomization, treatment, and
study endpoints.
Administer investigational therapeutics using multiple routes,
including oral gavage (PO), intraperitoneal injection (IP), and
intravenous tail-vein injection (IV), including repeated-dose
treatment regimens.
Perform routine mouse handling and health monitoring in both
male and female mice, including restraint, body-weight and
condition assessment, precise tumor measurements, and
implementation of appropriate humane endpoints.
Collect blood, tumors, and other tissues; perform or coordinate
necropsy and tissue processing; and support downstream histologic,
molecular, and pharmacodynamic/target-engagement analyses.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain accurate
study records, and prepare figures, presentations, reports,
manuscripts, and other scientific materials.
Collaborate with academic and industry investigators to develop
experimental protocols, interpret results, troubleshoot studies,
and advance preclinical therapeutic development.
Work Location:
Onsite – This role is expected to work onsite and is located in
Aurora, Colorado, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical
Campus.
Because animal pharmacology studies require treatment and
monitoring according to experimental schedules, occasional work
outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends,
may be required.
Why Join Us:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus provides an
outstanding environment for translational biomedical research, with
extensive expertise and infrastructure in drug discovery, cancer
biology, pharmacology, animal models, imaging, and therapeutic
development. The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences and the CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery provide a
multidisciplinary research environment spanning discovery through
preclinical development.
This position offers a unique opportunity to participate directly
in an industry-academic translational drug development program in
collaboration with Onconaut Therapeutics Inc. The fellow will gain
substantial experience in preclinical oncology pharmacology and the
advancement of investigational therapeutics toward clinical
development, providing excellent preparation for careers in
biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, translational research, or
academia.
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package.
To see what benefits are available for Post-Doctoral Fellows,
please visit:
- Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows |
University of Colorado (CU.edu)
- Benefits Guide for Post-Doctoral Fellows (CU.edu)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of
hire.
- PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology,
pharmaceutical sciences, cancer biology, molecular or cellular
biology, translational biomedical sciences, or a closely related
field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and conducting mouse
in vivo pharmacology or therapeutic efficacy studies.
- Demonstrated experience with mouse tumor xenograft models,
including cell line-derived xenografts and patient-derived
xenografts.
- Demonstrated proficiency in mouse handling, restraint, health
monitoring, and animal welfare procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency administering drugs to mice by oral
gavage, intraperitoneal injection, and intravenous tail-vein
injection.
- Experience independently collecting, analyzing, interpreting,
and documenting data from animal studies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience designing and conducting preclinical oncology
efficacy studies with investigational small-molecule
therapeutics.
- Experience establishing, expanding, and conducting therapeutic
studies using patient-derived xenograft models.
- Experience with orthotopic tumor models, particularly
colorectal or gastrointestinal cancer models.
- Experience with surgical or microsurgical procedures used to
establish orthotopic mouse tumor models.
- Experience with immunodeficient mouse strains commonly used for
oncology studies.
- Experience with blood collection, necropsy, tumor and organ
harvest, tissue processing, and preparation of samples for
histologic and molecular analyses.
- Experience with pharmacodynamic or target-engagement studies in
tumor tissues, including techniques such as Western blotting,
immunohistochemistry, and/or immunofluorescence.
- Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed
publications and/or scientific presentations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of in vivo pharmacology, experimental
oncology, and therapeutic efficacy study design.
- Strong technical skills in mouse handling and drug
administration.
- Knowledge of animal welfare, humane endpoints, and principles
governing responsible vertebrate animal research.
- Ability to independently design rigorous, reproducible animal
experiments and troubleshoot experimental problems.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific data
interpretation skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage complex
longitudinal studies involving multiple treatment groups and dosing
schedules.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively
within a multidisciplinary academic and industry research
team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate
experimental documentation.
Conditions of Employment: This position requires regular
onsite work with research animals and participation in applicable
institutional animal-care, training, and occupational-health
programs. Experimental schedules may require work outside standard
business hours, including evenings and weekends.
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:
Dan LaBarbera, daniel.labarbera@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but
preference will be given to complete applications received by
October 19, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may still be
considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range for this position has been established as
HIRING RANGE :
$63,480 to $77,076
Starting salary will be commensurate with relevant experience and
is based on the current NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend scale.
Additional salary flexibility may be considered for an
exceptionally qualified candidate, subject to University policy,
internal equity, and available funding.
The above salary 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:
CU Anschutz 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 .
