Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available for highly motivated candidates to join our research team at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. We conduct cutting-edge basic and translational research in pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on genetics, genomics, epigenetics, animal models, and molecular determinants of human pulmonary fibrosis. Our group identified a gain-of-function genetic variant in the airway mucin MUC5B as the key predisposition factor for development of early and established forms of the pulmonary fibrosis and are now pursuing projects in functional genomics to understand how MUC5B causes lung fibrosis.  

In the laboratory, we use genome editing approaches to manipulate genetic variants and expression of key genes in primary cell and animal models. Computational approaches include genetic screens for genes that interact with MUC5B , identification of biomarkers of early disease, and single cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies. Our ultimate goal is to understand the early mechanisms of lung fibrosis, develop biomarkers for early detection, and ultimately identify therapeutics for early treatment of disease. 

We are looking for individuals interested in developing skills in various aspects of functional genomics.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Mechanism regulating lung injury and early lung fibrosis with an emphasis on MUC5B, ER stress, apoptosis, cilia function and mucus clearance, and biophysical dysfunction of distal airway epithelia
• Characterization of novel animal model of Muc5b-driven lung fibrosis
• Role of lncRNAs in modifying the genetic susceptibility in pulmonary fibrosis
• Understand how the gain-of-function MUC5B promoter variant affects transcriptional regulation and gene expression in distinct types of MUC5B-driven usual interstitial pneumonia (using snRNAseq, snATACseq, and spatial transcriptomics)
• Early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of interstitial lung disease
• Determine the genetic variants in IPF among non-European populations 

Work Location:

On Site –onsite location is at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado and schedule will be coordinated with supervisor.  

Why Join Us:

About the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine

Thank you for your interest in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colorado! Our over 140 faculty are located across four sites: the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, National Jewish Health, Denver Health, and the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

We are very proud of our long and illustrious history. Many seminal discoveries in pulmonary and critical care medicine occurred here in Denver, including advances in tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, airway disease, cancer, and critical care. Many of our former trainees have taken leadership roles in academic medicine, including Division and Department Chairs, Deans, and American Thoracic Society Presidents.

We continue to enhance all aspects of our division and training program, and as a result, we have seen tremendous and sustained growth. The clinical practice sites have built new hospitals, and there are multiple new research buildings across the campuses. We have been fortunate to recruit tremendous new faculty members while retaining many of our former trainees.

About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital  and Children's Hospital Colorado  - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu .  

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 (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15 (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this the benefit on all CU campuses 
• ECO Pass: RTD Bus and light rail service
• Additional Perks & Programs: Click here to access a few more Perks and Programs  

To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness  

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• PhD, MD, or PhD/MD, preferably in pulmonary sciences 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in genetics, genomics, or epigenetics

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently within the research laboratory  

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.      Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address  

Only complete applications will be reviewed.  

Reference checks are a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including e-mail addresses, for up to 5 references if you are referred to the Hiring Authority for an interview. We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references.  

Questions should be directed to: David Schwartz at [email protected]

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers . 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 31, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.  

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$56,484 to $70,000

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

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodation 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 [email protected] ​.  

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 .