Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

The goals of this fellowship position are to define the mechanisms by which deregulated kinase signaling in the MAPK, Src, and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) pathways promote thyroid tumorigenesis and how to target these pathways. A key focus of our studies is to identify mechanisms of resistance to therapies targeting these pathways. The postdoctoral fellow will use unbiased approaches, including proteomics and transcriptomics, along with focused in vitro approaches, including Western blotting, growth and apoptosis assays, 3D culture, microscopy, and invasion/migration assays. To translate our findings to the clinic, we innovative in vivo models, including the orthotopic thyroid cancer model, an experimental metastasis model, immunocompetent models, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. For our studies, we have one of the largest panels of authenticated thyroid cancer cell lines in the world, that have been molecularly characterized by genome-wide copy number and gene expression, histology, and mutations.  Together, these tools and approaches will lead to a better understanding of kinase signaling in thyroid cancer, reveal how different pathways cooperate to promote tumor progression, uncover novel targets, and determine the most durable strategies for targeting the most aggressive forms of the disease.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of experiments using techniques required for the project in an independent manner with input and mentorship from Dr. Schweppe.
• Maintain a detailed electronic laboratory notebook.
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques and develop new techniques as needed for the research project.
• Conduct animal tumor studies and provide animal care for these studies.
• Mentor and train laboratory personnel.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance.
• Prepare regular summaries of progress for discussion with the PI, and for formal or informal presentation to research working groups.
• Write high quality, full-length manuscripts for publication.
• Collaborate with Dr. Schweppe to develop grant applications.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Schweppe lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus studies the role of key signal transduction pathways that promote thyroid cancer growth and metastasis, with a specific focus on the Src/Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and MAP kinase signaling pathways. We have developed many relevant in vitro models to study signal transduction and in vivo preclinical models to translate our finds to the clinic. Postdoctoral fellows in the Schweppe lab will receive excellent training to transition to the next stage of their career (academic or non-academic). The postdoc will have the opportunity to attend and present at national and/or international conferences, mentor students in the lab, and collaborate with our clinical team. Grant writing and fellowship applications will be expected. CU Anschutz offers excellent opportunities for feedback on grant applications through a mock study fellowship program. Our campus ranks 11th in the country for fellowship applications from the NIH. CU Anschutz also has excellent opportunities for career development, including industry, science communication, science policy, and other careers: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/career-development .

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.  

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related field.
• A record of publications in peer-reviewed journals 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with animal models, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, high throughput approaches, handling of patient samples, and cloning.       
• Presentations at national meetings 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Proficiency in molecular biology, cell culture, computer software, and experience with bioinformatics approaches.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and safety procedures
• Demonstrated proficiency in GraphPad Prism and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently within a research lab
• Ability to work as an effective team member in the lab and beyond
• Ability to master and develop complex protocols 

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.    Five 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: Caitlin Estlow; [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by 7.1.2024. 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:

$56,880.00

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 .