Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Paredes Lab

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 Summary

The 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 Functions

• Lead the isolation characterization and expansion of MUSE cells from human tissue sources
• Develop and optimize protocols for MUSE cell differentiation into neural lineages particularly dopaminergic neurons and glial cells
• Perform comprehensive characterization of MUSE cell-derived neurons using protein aggregation assays for a-synuclein and tau pathology
• Conduct cell viability assays (MTT/MTS) to assess neuroprotective effects of MUSE cell secretome
• Utilize flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy for phenotypic characterization and cellular localization studies
• Execute protein purification and biophysical characterization including circular dichroism mass spectrometry and HSQC-NMR
• Perform Western blot analysis and Thioflavin-T/S assays to monitor protein aggregation states
• Establish and maintain co-culture systems with primary neurons and MUSE cells
• Design and implement prion-like spread assays to evaluate therapeutic efficacy
• Utilize transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis of cellular interactions
• Prepare manuscripts grant applications and present findings at national conferences
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure compliance with safety protocols

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge in cell culture techniques with demonstrated experience maintaining multiple cell lines
• Proficiency in protein purification using tagged and untagged recombinant proteins
• Strong background in structural biology techniques including CD MS DLS and NMR
• Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques including Western blot immunofluorescence and qPCR
• Demonstrated ability in high-throughput screening and fluorescence polarization assays
• Competence in data analysis software and statistical methods
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for manuscript and grant preparation
• Strong collaborative skills for multi-disciplinary research projects

Required Qualifications

• Ph.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 techniques
• Experience with neurodegeneration research particularly in Parkinsons or Alzheimers disease models
• Proficiency in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
• Experience with protein aggregation assays and biophysical characterization methods

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with stem cell biology or MUSE cell research
• Expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology
• Experience with in vivo models of neurodegeneration
• Track record of successful grant applications or fellowships
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies
• Proficiency in parallel artificial membrane permeability assays (PAMPA)
• Experience with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid chromatography systems
• Background in therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases
• Experience mentoring junior researchers
• Familiarity with GMP protocols and translational research approaches

Working Environment

• Standard biomedical research laboratory with BSL-2 capabilities
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary research
• Regular interaction with clinical researchers and industry partners

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus

Work Schedule

• Full-time position (40 hours per week)
• Some flexibility in daily schedule with core hours requirement
• Occasional weekend work for time-sensitive experiments

Application Deadline

For consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 4 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is GE8.

Salary Range

The 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.

Benefits

The 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:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. 2 professional references

The 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.