Open Rank Regular Faculty: Assistant – Full Professor

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plans

Additional Insurance

401(a) plan

Paid time off

Vacation days

Sick days

Holiday days

Tuition benefit

ECO Pass

Job summary

The University of Colorado is seeking an open-rank, tenure-eligible vision scientist for a joint Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Ophthalmology appointment at CU Anschutz. The successful candidate will lead a vibrant program focused on artificial vision, neuromodulation, or brain–computer interfaces, and will collaborate across neuroscience and ophthalmology research strengths.

The role requires building a robust research program, mentoring trainees, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. in Neuroscience, Vision Science, Physiology/Biophysics, or a closely related field.
• Three years of post-doctoral research experience.
• A strong record of peer‑reviewed academic publications.
• A well-developed plan for independent research and funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead a productive research group, secure external funding, and publish their work.
• Teach courses in the graduate and/or medical schools.
• Participate in service to the department and University.

Skills

Peer-reviewed publications

Independent research planning

Education

Ph.D./M.D. in Neuroscience or Vision Science

Three years postdoctoral experience

Job description

Department: Physiology and Biophysics

Open Rank Regular Faculty: Assistant – Full Professor

Position #00852571 – Requisition #40946

Job Summary:

The Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine are seeking a vision scientist to fill an open-rank, tenure-eligible faculty position. The ideal candidate will be an outstanding individual whose research program includes mechanistic investigation of fundamental aspects of visual function, and in particular means of creating artificial vision through neuromodulation, retinal or brain prostheses, or other brain-computer interface. Applicant’s research interests should complement and extend both Departments’ existing research strengths in nervous system function and computational science (medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physiology) as well as ophthalmic disease, epidemiology, or artificial intelligence (https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology). A history of securing competitive funding is essential. Special consideration will be given to candidates with funding to study vision or to advance vision research or health. The successful candidate will be expected to lead a vigorous research program, participate in professional and graduate training, and play a pivotal role in the growing vision science community at CU Anschutz.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a productive research group, secure external funding, and publish their work.
• Teach courses in the graduate and/or medical schools.
• Participate in service to the department and University.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Appointees will join a vibrant and growing Department of Physiology and Biophysics under the new leadership of Dr. David DiGregorio – hired as Chair in January 2023 – with a commitment to mentoring faculty and trainees from diverse backgrounds, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Ophthalmology. Research interests in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics currently include sensory and systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, ion channel biophysics, synaptic function, developmental neurobiology, cardiac and skeletal muscle physiology, and cell signaling. Research interests in the Department of Ophthalmology include retinal biology, development, human retinal organoids, cell and tissue transplantation, epidemiology, artificial intelligence, and systematic reviews. Extra-departmental interactions within neuroscience and physiology, including basic science and translational collaborations, are facilitated by several NIH‑supported interdepartmental graduate programs and centers (e.g., Neuroscience Program, Computational Biology Program, and Integrated Physiology Program). In addition, the NeuroTechnology Center supports core facilities that include advanced light microscopy, super resolution nanoscopy, rodent in vivo behavior and electrophysiology, neural engineering, and a machine shop (medschool.cuanschutz.edu/neurotechnologycenter).

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 (based on percentage of time)
• 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.

Assistant Professor:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in Neuroscience, Vision Science, Physiology/Biophysics, or a closely related field
• Three years of post-doctoral research experience
• A strong record of peer-reviewed academic publications
• A well-developed plan for independent research and funding

Associate Professor:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in Neuroscience, Vision Science, Physiology/Biophysics, or a closely related field
• Five years as an Assistant Professor or equivalent research scientist rank
• A strong record of peer-reviewed academic publications
• A well-developed plan for continued independent research and funding

Professor:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in Neuroscience, Vision Science, Physiology/Biophysics, or a closely related field
• Five years at an Associate Professor or equivalent research scientist rank
• A strong record of peer-reviewed academic publications
• A well-developed plan for continued independent research and funding

Open Track:

To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Open Rank:

Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence, originality, and productivity in research
• A track record of competitive, peer-reviewed grant funding
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Willingness to collaborate
• Mentorship experience of trainees (undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral researchers)
• Having received training in mentorship and/or teaching practices and theories

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of advanced principles relevant to their specialty in biomedical research
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and apply quantitative analytical approaches
• Ability to investigate the properties of statistical methodology through simulation or other means
• Ability to develop new methodologies and disseminate these innovations through publication and/or presentations
• Good organizational skills across individual projects, managing own workload
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and the ability to work with other biomedical investigators and colleagues across the department, school, and university.
• Ability to contribute to the growth and development of the Department
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 31, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Questions should be directed to: Benjamin Scholl, [e-mail]

Anticipated Pay Range:

Assistant Professor: $110,000-$150,000

Associate Professor: $135,000-$170,000

Full Professor: $160,000-$200,000

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 [e-mail] .

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.

Department U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver

Schedule Full-time

Posting Date Aug 27, 2026

Unposting Date Ongoing