Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Paredes Lab at University of Denver

The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA) brings together key strengths from around campus and the region to address growing needs here in Denver and throughout the nation. Designed to address complex problems in depth the Institute builds on DUs dedication to the public good by supporting research and scholarship on aging in a variety of disciplines. Lab scientists social workers psychologists lawyers education specialists business faculty members and others are routinely involved. The Institutes work is truly collaborative leveraging the assets of the DU community in the discovery and design of knowledge and engagement across our campus and around the world.Position SummaryThe Paredes Lab at the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging University of Denver seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead an innovative project developing Multilineage-differentiating Stress Enduring (MUSE) cells as therapeutic platforms for Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of regenerative medicine and neurodegenerative disease research. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment focused on translational approaches to combat age-related neurodegeneration.Essential FunctionsLead the isolation characterization and expansion of MUSE cells from human tissue sourcesDevelop and optimize protocols for MUSE cell differentiation into neural lineages particularly dopaminergic neurons and glial cellsPerform comprehensive characterization of MUSE cell-derived neurons using protein aggregation assays for a-synuclein and tau pathologyConduct cell viability assays (MTT/MTS) to assess neuroprotective effects of MUSE cell secretomeUtilize flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy for phenotypic characterization and cellular localization studiesExecute protein purification and biophysical characterization including circular dichroism mass spectrometry and HSQC-NMRPerform Western blot analysis and Thioflavin-T/S assays to monitor protein aggregation statesEstablish and maintain co-culture systems with primary neurons and MUSE cellsDesign and implement prion-like spread assays to evaluate therapeutic efficacyUtilize transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis of cellular interactionsPrepare manuscripts grant applications and present findings at national conferencesMentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniquesMaintain detailed experimental records and ensure compliance with safety protocolsKnowledge Skills and AbilitiesExpert knowledge in cell culture techniques with demonstrated experience maintaining multiple cell linesProficiency in protein purification using tagged and untagged recombinant proteinsStrong background in structural biology techniques including CD MS DLS and NMRExperience with cellular and molecular biology techniques including Western blot immunofluorescence and qPCRDemonstrated ability in high-throughput screening and fluorescence polarization assaysCompetence in data analysis software and statistical methodsExcellent written and oral communication skills for manuscript and grant preparationStrong collaborative skills for multi-disciplinary research projectsRequired QualificationsPh.D. in Chemistry Biochemistry Cell Biology Neuroscience or related field (degree must be conferred by start date)Documented expertise in cell culture and protein biochemistry techniquesExperience with neurodegeneration research particularly in Parkinsons or Alzheimers disease modelsProficiency in flow cytometry and confocal microscopyExperience with protein aggregation assays and biophysical characterization methodsPreferred QualificationsPrevious experience with stem cell biology or MUSE cell researchExpertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologyExperience with in vivo models of neurodegenerationTrack record of successful grant applications or fellowshipsExperience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologiesProficiency in parallel artificial membrane permeability assays (PAMPA)Experience with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid chromatography systemsBackground in therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseasesExperience mentoring junior researchersFamiliarity with GMP protocols and translational research approachesWorking EnvironmentStandard biomedical research laboratory with BSL-2 capabilitiesCollaborative environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary researchRegular interaction with clinical researchers and industry partnersPhysical ActivitiesAbility to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.Occasionally required to move about the office/campusWork ScheduleFull-time position (40 hours per week)Some flexibility in daily schedule with core hours requirementOccasional weekend work for time-sensitive experimentsApplication DeadlineFor consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 4 2025.Special InstructionsCandidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.Salary Grade NumberThe salary grade for the position is GE8.Salary RangeThe salary range for this position is$62232 - $65000.The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.BenefitsThe University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.Please include the following documents with your application:ResumeCover Letter2 professional referencesThe University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check. Key Skills Virology,Bioinformatics,Genetics,R,Biochemistry,Cell Biology,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Microscopy,Research Laboratory Experience Employment Type : Grant Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 62232 - 65000