Postdoctoral Fellow – In Vivo Pharmacology and Translational Oncology

Job Summary:

A full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the laboratory of Professor Dan LaBarbera, PhD, within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with strong expertise in in vivo pharmacology, preclinical oncology, and mouse therapeutic efficacy studies to contribute to a federally funded translational research program focused on the preclinical development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for colorectal cancer.

The research is conducted in collaboration with Onconaut Therapeutics Inc. and provides an opportunity to work at the interface of academic drug discovery, biotechnology, and translational oncology. The successful candidate will have substantial hands-on experience designing and executing mouse efficacy studies, including cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The position requires proficiency in mouse handling and welfare and in repeated drug administration by oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, and intravenous tail-vein injection. Experience with orthotopic colorectal cancer models is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute in vivo pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy studies in mouse models of colorectal cancer.

• Establish and conduct cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) studies, including tumor implantation, growth monitoring, randomization, treatment, and study endpoints.

• Administer investigational therapeutics using multiple routes, including oral gavage (PO), intraperitoneal injection (IP), and intravenous tail-vein injection (IV), including repeated-dose treatment regimens.

• Perform routine mouse handling and health monitoring in both male and female mice, including restraint, body-weight and condition assessment, precise tumor measurements, and implementation of appropriate humane endpoints.

• Collect blood, tumors, and other tissues; perform or coordinate necropsy and tissue processing; and support downstream histologic, molecular, and pharmacodynamic/target-engagement analyses.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain accurate study records, and prepare figures, presentations, reports, manuscripts, and other scientific materials.

• Collaborate with academic and industry investigators to develop experimental protocols, interpret results, troubleshoot studies, and advance preclinical therapeutic development.

Work Location:

Onsite – This role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Because animal pharmacology studies require treatment and monitoring according to experimental schedules, occasional work outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, may be required.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus provides an outstanding environment for translational biomedical research, with extensive expertise and infrastructure in drug discovery, cancer biology, pharmacology, animal models, imaging, and therapeutic development. The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the CU Anschutz Center for Drug Discovery provide a multidisciplinary research environment spanning discovery through preclinical development.

This position offers a unique opportunity to participate directly in an industry-academic translational drug development program in collaboration with Onconaut Therapeutics Inc. The fellow will gain substantial experience in preclinical oncology pharmacology and the advancement of investigational therapeutics toward clinical development, providing excellent preparation for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, translational research, or academia.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package. To see what benefits are available for Post-Doctoral Fellows, please visit:

• Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows | University of Colorado (CU.edu)
• Benefits Guide for Post-Doctoral Fellows (CU.edu)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, cancer biology, molecular or cellular biology, translational biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and conducting mouse in vivo pharmacology or therapeutic efficacy studies.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse tumor xenograft models, including cell line-derived xenografts and patient-derived xenografts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mouse handling, restraint, health monitoring, and animal welfare procedures.
• Demonstrated proficiency administering drugs to mice by oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, and intravenous tail-vein injection.
• Experience independently collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and documenting data from animal studies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing and conducting preclinical oncology efficacy studies with investigational small-molecule therapeutics.

• Experience establishing, expanding, and conducting therapeutic studies using patient-derived xenograft models.

• Experience with orthotopic tumor models, particularly colorectal or gastrointestinal cancer models.

• Experience with surgical or microsurgical procedures used to establish orthotopic mouse tumor models.

• Experience with immunodeficient mouse strains commonly used for oncology studies.

• Experience with blood collection, necropsy, tumor and organ harvest, tissue processing, and preparation of samples for histologic and molecular analyses.

• Experience with pharmacodynamic or target-engagement studies in tumor tissues, including techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and/or immunofluorescence.

• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications and/or scientific presentations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of in vivo pharmacology, experimental oncology, and therapeutic efficacy study design.

• Strong technical skills in mouse handling and drug administration.

• Knowledge of animal welfare, humane endpoints, and principles governing responsible vertebrate animal research.

• Ability to independently design rigorous, reproducible animal experiments and troubleshoot experimental problems.

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific data interpretation skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage complex longitudinal studies involving multiple treatment groups and dosing schedules.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary academic and industry research team.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate experimental documentation.

Conditions of Employment: This position requires regular onsite work with research animals and participation in applicable institutional animal-care, training, and occupational-health programs. Experimental schedules may require work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.

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:

Dan LaBarbera, daniel.labarbera@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 19, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may still be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$63,480 to $77,076

Starting salary will be commensurate with relevant experience and is based on the current NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend scale. Additional salary flexibility may be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate, subject to University policy, internal equity, and available funding.

The above salary 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:

CU Anschutz 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.