Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

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.

A full-time postdoctoral fellow position is available for a scientist to take part in basic, translational and clinical research aimed at investigating the musculoskeletal consequences of cancer and its treatments (i.e. , cachexia), with a special focus on the inter-organ complications affecting muscle, bone and liver. These studies are funded by multiple sources, including NIH/NIAMS. The laboratory is also interested in unraveling the molecular causes responsible for the muscle and bone abnormalities resulting from metabolic dysfunctions and aging. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art technologies and tissue-specific mutant mouse models to examine the molecular mechanisms that trigger cancer-induced musculoskeletal defects. The projects are highly collaborative and multidisciplinary with excellent opportunities for advanced training and scientific development. Interested candidates will have extensive experience in skeletal muscle physiology, ideally a background in cancer biology or exercise physiology, and experience characterizing mouse models, as also evidenced by their publication records. A background in bone biology or willingness to develop an interest in skeletal physiology and muscle-bone crosstalk are preferred. The candidates will join a dynamic and fast-paced research environment and will be responsible for the development of novel research methods, will conduct experiments using in vitro and in vivo approaches, will perform project planning, data interpretation, authorship of presentations and publications, lab management, and training of personnel. The PI is committed to supporting the candidate’s career development and research progress, including fostering and facilitating grant submissions, attending and presenting at scientific meetings, and exploring new project areas and collaborations.  

CU Anschutz has a unique series of career development programs and pathways toward industry, science communication and outreach, science policy, and other career tracks (https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/career-development ). The postdoc will be encouraged to incorporate these training opportunities based on their career goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• (50 %) Designing and performing experiments in a methodical, scientific manner using advanced biomedical research techniques (in vitro and in vivo experimentation as independent and team-oriented work), project planning, data interpretation, development of novel research methods, lab management
• (10%) Prepare regular summaries of progress for discussion with the PI, and for formal or informal presentation to research working groups; attend and present at internal/external scientific meetings, present at research meetings, journal clubs, lab meetings
• (10%) Teach/supervise students, professional research assistants, and other lab members
• (10%) Developing grant-writing skills by applying for institutional or other grants, including fellowships
• (10%) Writing full-length, high-quality scientific publications and abstracts
• (10%) Independent study to prepare and explore new project areas and collaborations 

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

CU Anschutz also has a unique series of career development programs and pathways toward industry, science communication and outreach, science policy, and other career tracks (https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/career-development ). The postdoc will be encouraged to incorporate these training opportunities based on their career goals.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. 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 in relevant field required (e.g., biomedical sciences, cancer biology).
• The candidate must have evidence of prior experience of working with mice in a research laboratory.  
• Depending on the position, laboratory experience in skeletal muscle physiology or cancer biology, and experience characterizing mouse models is required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of oral and/or poster presentations at national meetings is preferred.
• A record track of publications in reputable scientific journals (as first author or co-author) is preferred.
• Experience with in vivo tumor and cachexia modeling, animal handling and tissue dissection is preferred.
• Experience with omics analysis platforms (proteomics, RNAseq, metabolomics) is preferred.
• Experience in bone biology or willingness to develop an interest in skeletal physiology are preferred 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• 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
• Demonstrated commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in research
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Experience in bone biology or willingness to develop an interest in skeletal physiology are preferred.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Prism (or other data analysis and statistical software) required.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cell biology and basic molecular biology techniques are preferred.
• Comfortable with handling rodents.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Organized and detail oriented with excellent documentation as well as verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to record data and findings meticulously and thoroughly. 

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 professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

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

Questions should be directed to: Justin Le, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 4/15/2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

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 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 [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 .