Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

66d • $62,232 - $70,344 • Onsite

About The Position

The Derderian Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team at the forefront of fetal therapy research. Our lab tackles two transformative areas of investigation: (1) understanding placental biology and epigenetic regulation of trophoblast invasion, with a focus on extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA signaling in fetal growth restriction, and (2) pioneering in utero gene editing approaches to correct genetic disease before birth. Current projects include the development of CRISPR-Cas9-based base editing platforms delivered by AAV vectors and lipid nanoparticles to treat Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency in utero. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a field on the cusp of major breakthroughs. The fetal environment is rapidly emerging as the next frontier for gene and small-molecule therapies, and fellows in our lab will gain hands-on experience in shaping this future. By bridging basic science discovery with translational application, this role offers the chance to work on high-impact projects with direct relevance to maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric surgery.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Strong record of research productivity demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Deep understanding of molecular biology, gene regulation, and/or genome editing technologies.
• Proficiency with experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, grants, and presentations.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the flexibility to adapt to evolving research directions in a rapidly changing field.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior researchers, graduate students, or medical trainees.
• Commitment to rigor, reproducibility, and ethical conduct of research.
• Enthusiasm for translational science and the potential to move discoveries from the lab toward clinical application.

Nice To Haves

• Prior postdoctoral training experience (1-4 years preferred).
• Expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, including plasmid design and single guide RNA development.
• Background in placental biology, extracellular vesicle biology, or epigenetic regulation.
• Experience with viral vector or lipid nanoparticle development and delivery.
• Strong data analysis, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research projects in placental biology or in utero gene editing.
• Develop and optimize CRISPR-Cas9 base editing strategies, including plasmid and sgRNA design.
• Perform molecular and cellular assays to investigate gene regulation, extracellular vesicle signaling, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts for publication, and contribute to grant applications.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, geneticists, and molecular biologists.
• Mentor graduate students, residents, and junior trainees in the lab.
• Present research findings at departmental seminars and national/international conferences.

Benefits

• The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees