Research Scientist

Research Scientist

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Psychiatry

Job Title: Research Scientist

Position #00846733 - Requisition #39601

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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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