PKD Preclinical Core Professional or Lead

Job Summary:

Dr. Katharina Hopp directs the basic research Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) program at CU Anschutz. As part of the program, she directs the PKD preclinical core which utilizes different rodent models of PKD to screen compounds for their efficacy to slow kidney cyst growth and delay end stage kidney failure. Beyond being director of this core, the Hopp laboratory researches the role of immune cells and immunometabolism in PKD utilizing both basic and translational research approaches that include in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methodologies. She believes that these studies will provide novel insights into the pathomechanisms of disease/disease heterogeneity and give rise to new therapeutic approaches.

This position is for the PKD Preclinical Core Manager. Most of the work will focus on duties associated with preclinical trail execution using the available rodent models of PKD. A minor part of the work will include lab management and experimental support of Dr. Hopp’s laboratory research efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain the animal colony of the PKD preclinical core.

• Perform preclinical trail execution including study group assignments, drug administration, in vivo disease testing (e.g., kidney function, ultrasounds, MRI), animal dissections, tissue embedding, and histological disease assessments.

• Gather, organize, and analyze outcome date obtained from preclinical trails.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension has a long legacy in academic medicine. Our mission is to provide the highest level of medical care to patients, to train the next generation of academic leaders, and to expand on cutting-edge basic and clinical investigation in Nephrology. The Renal Division at the University of Colorado is one of the premier academic programs in the United States. Please explore our website to learn more about our state-of-the-art clinical, educational and research programs, and distinguished faculty members.

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: 15/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

Senior Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular or cellular biology, chemistry, genetics or closely related fields.

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

   

• Two (2) years professional level research experience in an experimental or wet laboratory with hands on experience using rodent models for basic/translational studies.

Principal Professional level:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular or cellular biology, chemistry, genetics or closely related fields.

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

   

• Three (3) years professional level research experience in an experimental or wet laboratory with hands on experience using rodent models for basic/translational studies.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or closely related fields

• Senior Professional level: Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory with hands on experience using rodent models for translational preclinical studies of human disease pathophysiology. 

• Principal Professional level: Three (3) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory with hands on experience using rodent models for translational preclinical studies of human disease pathophysiology. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•  Advanced knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including rodent breeding, handling, and dissections as well as standard safety procedures and techniques (Senior level)

• Expert knowledge of laboratory techniques including rodent breeding, handling, and dissections as well as standard safety procedures and techniques (Principal level)

• Advanced ability to organize, manage, analyze, and present research data/findings and solve complex problems (Senior level)

• Expert ability to organize, manage, analyze, and present research data/findings and solve complex problems (Principal level)

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

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

• Outstanding customer service skills

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

• Expert level knowledge of either (1) preclinical trail execution and using murine models, (2) murine models of polycystic kidney disease, (3) studies of renal pathophysiology using murine models.

How to Apply:

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

Questions should be directed to: Betsy Pike, Renal Division Human Resources, betsy.pike@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by Friday, April 17, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Research Services Senior Laboratory Professional:

$54,440 - $72,950

Research Services Principal Laboratory Professional:

$62,606 - $83,893

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 may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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@cuanschutz.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 .