Instructor

Job Summary:

The Department of Pharmacology is seeking applicants for full-time Instructor to carry out cutting-edge neuroscience research in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Ford, with the ultimate goal of identifying neuromodulatory deficits that arise in neurological disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, carry-out and assist in supervising the execution of experimental procedures.

• Apply biological expertise to interpret results and extract meaningful conclusions to serve lab's research mission.

• Lead, as well as support, writing of manuscripts, abstracts, and other publications.

• Provide guidance and support to junior team members in data management, analysis, visualization, and interpretation.

• Train and manage junior team members on proper laboratory operations.

• Contribute to the development of grant proposals.

• Present results at local, national and international conferences.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Research projects will be geared towards understanding the mechanisms and dynamics by which neuromodulators are encoded within striatal circuits and to identify the deficits that arise in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The position requires extensive experience in advanced neuroscience approaches including multiphoton imaging, electrophysiology, using and benchmarking fluorescent genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors, and gene delivery approaches. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Physiology, or a related field, relevant laboratory experience, and an exceptional scientific research record. The instructor will join a team in a collaborative environment trying to understand how transmitters such as dopamine and their receptors signal in neuronal circuits. The candidate must have experience applying for NIH grants. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, an independent and critical thinker, a meticulous experimentalist, a team player and able to multitask in an interactive setting. In addition, the individual will keep accurate and complete records of all scientific experiments. S/he will draft technical reports and manuscripts and present work as needed.

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
• 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 Physiology or a related field such as Neuroscience from an accredited institution.

* Minimum of 7 years of related experience. At least 5 of the years should be at a Ph.D. level applying in vitro multiphoton imaging and electrophysiological approaches to define dopamine signaling.

Preferred Qualifications:

* In-depth knowledge of use, development and benchmarking of fluorescent genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors.

* A deep understanding of basal ganglia circuitry, specifically on the nigrostriatal system.

* Strong knowledge of statistical principles relevant to biomedical research.

* Proven ability to contribute to publication of scientific manuscripts.

* Expertise in neuroscience and Parkinson's disease neuropathophysiology.

* Demonstrated ability to learn, operate troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment and multi-task effectively in the laboratory.

* A demonstrated proclivity towards improving processes and delivering practical solution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Ability to communicate effectively, both to colleagues and to the general public.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

* Ability to train, supervise, and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and junior team members.

* Ability to independently and collaboratively drive research projects to completion.

* Ability to assemble, revise, and successfully publish scientific manuscripts.

* Ability to present scientific findings at meetings and conferences.

* Ability to design and write funding applications.

* Ability to establish and maintain productive scientific collaborations.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume

2. Three 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: Jennifer Orsund, Jennifer.orsund@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 11, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$75,000 to $85,000

The above salary range (or hiring 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:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 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.