Assistant Research Professor

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

1d•$110,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.