Research Associate

Job Summary:

The research associate will conduct basic and translational research in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on 3D cell culture models, molecular determinants of cell fate, epigenetics, and transcriptional regulation of fibrosis-related genes. The overall aim of this research will be to investigate ectopic expression of airway mucin MUC5B in alveolar epithelial cells and to determine the mechanisms that lead to lung fibrosis. The research associate will use small-molecule and genetic knockdown/overexpression approaches to manipulate expression of MUC5B gene and relevant transcription factors. The research associate will induce perturbations into 3D culture models to reproduce molecular profile of epithelial cells observed in fibrotic lungs. The research associate will assay the results through multi-omics experiments. The research associate will combine experimental and computational approaches to investigate alveolar cell plasticity and to control cell fates. Our ultimate goal is to understand the early mechanistic determinants of lung fibrosis and to alter trajectories of cells development to prevent progression of fibrosis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performing experiments to study lung epithelial cells alterations under pro-fibrotic conditions

• Analyzing and interpreting multi-omics biological data

• Writing research papers and reports for publication

• Collaborating with other scientists and researchers

• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment

• Teaching and supervising students or junior staff

• Presenting findings at scientific conferences and meetings

• Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety standards

• Applying for research grants and funding

• Staying updated with the latest scientific literature and advancements

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

About the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine

Thank you for your interest in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colorado! Our over 140 faculty are located across four sites: the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, National Jewish Health, Denver Health, and the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

We are very proud of our long and illustrious history. Many seminal discoveries in pulmonary and critical care medicine occurred here in Denver, including advances in tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, airway disease, cancer, and critical care. Many of our former trainees have taken leadership roles in academic medicine, including Division and Department Chairs, Deans, and American Thoracic Society Presidents.

We continue to enhance all aspects of our division and training program, and as a result, we have seen tremendous and sustained growth. The clinical practice sites have built new hospitals, and there are multiple new research buildings across the campuses. We have been fortunate to recruit tremendous new faculty members while retaining many of our former trainees.

About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $757 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

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.

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field

• Extensive experience with laboratory techniques and equipment

• Proven track record of published research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced microscopy techniques

• Experience with tissue culture

• Experience with organoid culture models

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and software

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

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: Natalya Cruz-Teixeira at natalya.cruz-teixeira@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until October 11, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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